During operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere around the globe, warriors at all levels have bravely served our nation in harsh combat environments. Whether you are a line leader in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy or Air Force, it is important to understand how deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan affect personnel, as well as how to navigate behavioral obstacles that can hinder an individual's or a unit's performance.
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Dayton Mitchell/Released
Warriors at all levels meet the demands of military service every day, whether it’s serving in a combat environment overseas or in garrison operations at home.
Thu, 2012-10-25
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Drone pilots and sensor operators are a growing and essential community of warriors in today’s force. As an operator of a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), teammates on the ground rely on you to provide critical coverage and protection. Drone pilots and sensor operators experience a unique set of challenges as they provide combat support on the home front. Many are frequently exposed to images of extreme events while at work. This fact, combined with long work hours, frequent shift changes, and the expectation that warriors can turn on and off their combat mindset around their work schedule, contributes to more than 40 percent of drone pilots and sensor operators reporting high levels of stress.1
Source: U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Cody H. Ramirez
Thu, 2012-09-27
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In order to perform at your peak, it’s important for service members to be physically and psychologically healthy . To maximize the health readiness of the U.S. military, the Defense Department implemented a multi-step health assessment process for personnel deploying around the world. This three step process enables service members to take control of their physical and psychological health by identifying any health challenges that may arise throughout the deployment cycle.
Figure 1. Deployment Health Assessment Process 2
Wed, 2012-09-19
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Teens may be anxious, proud, sad or even confused about their parent’s upcoming deployment. Since your teen is already undergoing so many physical, emotional and social changes, taking steps to prepare him or her before you leave can be a helpful way to maintain stability in your family. Take some proactive steps to prepare your teen for your departure by trying to understand his or her reactions, offering your support and helping to establish healthy coping skills and behaviors. These steps can better equip your family to handle your extended absence and help things run more smoothly while you’re gone.
U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue/ReleasedTeens may experience a range of emotions as they prepare for a loved one’s deployment. For example, teens may feel anxious, proud, sad or even confused about their parent’s upcoming deployment.
Thu, 2012-09-06
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The loss of any warrior's life is a tragedy, whether it's in combat or in a different type of battle. Although relatively uncommon overall, military suicides have unfortunately increased recently, especially within the Army and Marine Corps.
Photo by Marine Corps Sgt. Mark Fayloga The loss of any warrior’s life is a tragedy, whether it’s in combat or in a different type of battle. Although relatively uncommon overall, suicide events occur across all service branches. Every suicide within the military community is ultimately preventable, and even one is too many.
Wed, 2012-09-12
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