COMBAT BATTLEFIELD STRESS REFERENCES REFERENCES FM LEADERS MANUAL FOR COMBAT STRESS CONTROL FM – RISK MANAGEMENT FM – COMBAT STRESS

COMBAT BATTLEFIELD STRESS Controlling combat stress is often the deciding factor… The difference between victory and defeat victory and defeat

Where does the stress come from? Enemy imposed Enemy imposed Uncertain change Uncertain change Danger Danger Injury Injury Family Family

How does stress affect us? Physically And Mentally Positively and Negatively

Physical Effects Trembling / Jumpiness / Cold Sweats Trembling / Jumpiness / Cold Sweats Insomnia / Pounding Heart Insomnia / Pounding Heart Dizziness / Nausea / Vomiting / Diarrhea Dizziness / Nausea / Vomiting / Diarrhea Fatigue Fatigue Visual/Hearing Problems Visual/Hearing Problems Partial Paralysis Partial Paralysis

Mental Effects Anxiety / Indecisiveness Anxiety / Indecisiveness Irritability / Complaining Irritability / Complaining Forgetfulness / Inability to Concentrate Forgetfulness / Inability to Concentrate Nightmares Nightmares Anger / Loss of Confidence in Self and Unit Anger / Loss of Confidence in Self and Unit Depression Depression Thoughts of Suicide Thoughts of Suicide

Positive Effects Unit Cohesion Unit Cohesion Exceptional Strength and Endurance Exceptional Strength and Endurance Increased Tolerance to Hardship, Discomfort, Pain and Injury Increased Tolerance to Hardship, Discomfort, Pain and Injury Increased Faith Increased Faith Heroic Acts Heroic Acts

How do we Reduce Combat Stress? STRESS REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT BEGINS WITH MANAGEMENT BEGINS WITH THE LEADERS!!! THE LEADERS!!!

Stress Reduction Techniques for Leaders Lead by Inspiration, NOT Fear or Intimidation Lead by Inspiration, NOT Fear or Intimidation Initiate and Support Stress Reduction Programs Initiate and Support Stress Reduction Programs Realistic Training Realistic Training Ensure Soldiers Have Mastered at Least Two Stress Coping Techniques Ensure Soldiers Have Mastered at Least Two Stress Coping Techniques

Stress Management Techniques for Leaders Learn the Signs of Stress in Yourself and Others Learn the Signs of Stress in Yourself and Others Practice Stress Control Through Cross Training, Task Allocation, Tasks Matching, and Tasks Sharing Practice Stress Control Through Cross Training, Task Allocation, Tasks Matching, and Tasks Sharing Be Decisive and Assertive Be Decisive and Assertive Remain Calm, Directive and in Control at All Times Remain Calm, Directive and in Control at All Times

Coping With Individual Stress Deep Breathing Exercises Muscle Relaxation Exercises Cognitive Exercises

Deep Breathing Exercises Consists of slow, deep inhaling, which expands the chest and abdomen, holding it for 2 to 5 seconds, then exhaling slowly and completely, which pushes out the used air. This can be done for five breaths as a quick, mind-clearing exercise, or continuously to promote sleep. Consists of slow, deep inhaling, which expands the chest and abdomen, holding it for 2 to 5 seconds, then exhaling slowly and completely, which pushes out the used air. This can be done for five breaths as a quick, mind-clearing exercise, or continuously to promote sleep.

Muscle Relaxation Exercises Generally consist of concentrating on various muscle groups and the tensing and relaxing of limbs to relax the entire body. Quick versions for use in action consist of tensing all muscles simultaneously, holding for 15 seconds or more, then letting them relax and “shaking out the tension”. Generally consist of concentrating on various muscle groups and the tensing and relaxing of limbs to relax the entire body. Quick versions for use in action consist of tensing all muscles simultaneously, holding for 15 seconds or more, then letting them relax and “shaking out the tension”.

Cognitive Exercises Self suggestion – Positive self-talk Self suggestion – Positive self-talk Imagery – Imagine being immersed in a deeply relaxing setting Imagery – Imagine being immersed in a deeply relaxing setting Rehearsal – Imagine performing stressful task under pressure and doing it perfectly Rehearsal – Imagine performing stressful task under pressure and doing it perfectly Meditation – Clear the mind, focus on breath, and silently repeat word or phrase Meditation – Clear the mind, focus on breath, and silently repeat word or phrase

Additional Sources of Combat Stress Control Assistance Army Medical Department Combat Stress Control Units Unit Missionary team

Closing The art of war aims to impose so much stress on the enemy soldiers that they lose their will to fight It is controlled combat stress (when properly focused by training, unit cohesion, and leadership) that gives soldiers the necessary alertness, strength, and endurance to fight, survive, and win our nations wars

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