California National Guard
Combat Stress Control (CSC) /
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Objectives
Assisting guardsmen and concerned parties with desired information about combat stress, critical incident stress management, and stress factors is a high priority for the California National Guard.
Useful Links
This website is intended to be a resource with links that address a variety of areas dealing with stress factor management. Links to other sites assisting with Combat Stress Control and Critical Incident Management are provided to the left.
General Information
Guardsmen and interested parties dealing with combat stress or critical incident stress should contact their unit/command points of contact. This website offers additional informational resources for California Guardsmen and their families.
Pre-mobilization:
Guardsmen with mobilization or active duty orders can receive counseling assistance through unit resources. Pre-mobilization briefings are given, and Operation Ready Families/ Family Assistance Network can assist with other needs relating to imminent duty.
During mobilization:
Guardsmen mobilized or on active duty orders 30 days or more can receive counseling assistance from all of the above sources, in addition to qualifying for active duty medical and social services in-theater. Chaplains and medical staff are available, as are web resources for dealing with stress. In-theater briefings/training on combat stress will vary by command and site.
Post mobilization:
Guardsmen de-mobilizing or processing out from active duty orders receive briefings on Combat Stress and Critical Incident Stress during their out processing; health assessment surveys may also be given to members prior to release from duty. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Vet Centers also provide assistance if requested, and members can also receive services through unit resources. In addition, the Afterdeployment.org website will also provide behavioral health resources
http://www.afterdeployment.org
Dealing with Stress
The US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) links below provide a quick reference for
“Providing Support to Soldiers in Distress: Buddy Aid: Tip Card (TC) 01”
“Coping with Stress in Stability and Support Operations: Tip Card (TC) 02”
Helping fellow Guardsmen or Family members
Helping a fellow guardsman
Self-aid and buddy care extends beyond the physical. If you notice that a friend or fellow guardsman is experiencing difficult or challenging situations, or suspect that they may have adjustment issues from recent deployments or critical incidents in their lives, seek help for them. Under our resources link there are contact numbers for both Army and Air Force guardsman.
Helping a family member
If you are the family member of a returning soldier or airman and you believe they could use assistance with their adjustment to home or work life, select one of the applicable links to the left for organizations and agencies that are ready to help.
Helping an employee/employer
If you are interested work-related guidance for returning California Guardsman, click on the link below:
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
Send your questions or comments to: CombatStressControl@ca.ngb.army.mil