Even though combat operations have ended in Iraq and a drawdown of troops continues in Afghanistan, ongoing global uncertainties dictate that a high operational tempo will continue for the armed forces.
"This means military leaders must become even more adept at recognizing and dealing with pressures, both in themselves and in those they lead," says Capt. Lori Laraway, the program manager for Operational Stress Control at Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.* "Proper prevention, early identification, mitigation and intervention are all line-leader responsibilities."
"Feeling stress is a normal human response to various situations ranging from routine to complex. Its effects can be diminished or even prevented when leaders strive to eliminate the associated stigma. Encouraging sailors and their families to address these issues in themselves and each other increases the likelihood of preventing grievous, lasting damage."
Behavioral Health Quick Polls are one way the Navy tracks operational stress on the fleet. Some key findings from the 2011 poll, which was completed by a mix of 4,000 enlisted and officer personnel:
- The top stressor for both officers and enlisted was "lack of personnel in work group to get the job done." This was also the top stressor in 2009 and 2010.
- Other major sources of stress are being away from family, not enough time for home responsibilities, long work hours pre- and post-deployment and unpredictability of operations and jobs.
- Nearly one-quarter of officers and half of enlisted reported sleeping five hours or less.
Good signs from the recent poll that Sailors are learning stress management:
- Most respondents reported using positive methods to cope with stress, including "think of a plan to solve a problem," "talk to a friend/family member," "exercise or play sports."
- Top stress resources for both enlisted and officers were family members or peers and friends.
- Fewer than five percent reported that resources are not available to address stress issues.
Laraway is the co-author of "Navigating Operational Stress," from the March 2012 edition of Proceedings, a publication of the U.S. Naval Institute.