The Montana Air National Guard took time out from military training on Sunday to focus on the personal stresses servicemen and women face.

While the troops are trained to deal with stress on the battlefield, they also need to be able to cope with stresses on the home front.

Many men and women return from deployment dealing with the repercussions of war, which can affect their personal health.

The Montana Air National Guard addressed alcohol abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as part of "Wingman Day." The "wingman" concept focuses on looking out for fellow troops.

Great Falls Police Officer Steve Pre'tat pointed out the high number of driving under the influence arrests in Great Falls, more than 700 a year, and warned Guardsmen of the consequences a DUI arrest can have on a promising career.

He also talked about the dangers of handling firearms while intoxicated, and encouraged them to help each other think before they drink.

Pre'tat said, "Most of the people we deal with on a regular basis just making bad decisions. They go out they have a good time, but they don't have a way to get home, or they think they're okay to drive because they don't feel intoxicated because they're used to feeling that way. So, what we do is we try to let people know that even on the side of the road its about education at traffic stops."

A video presentation and PTSD expert encouraged Guardsmen to ask for help if they are suffering mental or emotional problems related to combat, or anything else.

The programs discussed Sunday are part of a growing effort in the military to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues.

The suicide rate in the U.S. Air Force is 10 per 100,000 Airmen, but the suicide rate in the U.S. Army last year was 18 per 100,000 soldiers, which are the highest numbers since officials started keeping records in 1980.