Combat and Operational Stress: Minimizing Its Adverse Effects on Service Members

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA485474&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Stress and stressors are an inherent part of warfare because of the violence and physical conditions of warfare, and the often long duration of operations. Stress represents "the mobilization of the body and mind to counteract stressors." It can be positive or negative. A stressor is any event or situation that requires an unusual change in the way a person responds. This study examines why the military is reactive in its battle against Combat and Operational Stress (COS) and how it can become more proactive. The study examines not only the adverse impact that stress has on a soldier's performance, but it also addresses an individual's ability to function once he or she is no longer in a stressful combat or operational environment. Early identification of COS is important to its treatment. More attention is being given to service members who return from combat with PTSD. However, a more effective use of resources can be achieved by providing a basic education that identifies what COS is and how one can minimize its short- and long-term negative effects. This in turn can minimize the number of service members that need to be treated for long-term medical conditions that develop because of COS. This study examines how the U.S. military can better prepare its service members to handle COS. The adverse effects of COS include physical, mental, and emotional problems; loss of personnel due to combat ineffectiveness; misconduct stress behavior; and other short- and long-term conditions. These adverse effects are known as maladaptive stress reactions. The paper addresses prevention rather than treatment. It postulates that if a program incorporating education, training, and phased prevention is developed and integrated into military life, then the military can minimize the negative effects of COS in its service members.