I feel he can progress if he receives the right help. PTSD is very hard on a person, it makes them do things that might seem strange to an outsider. The VA would be a good place to start, they are also aware of the trauma that war can cause. They have resources for trauma therapy but yet I know some ex soldiers don't want to go to the VA to appear they are weak or something, they don't want the records. But if he is trying, that is a good sign. But it may take some time, and he will need a tremendous amount of support. He may even get worse before he gets better. YOu need to decide if you can be there for him during all of this, it isn't easy. Good luck.