Mitigating PTSD: Emotionally Intelligent Leaders

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA526234&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Mitigating PTSD: Emotionally Intelligent Leaders

COL Ramona M. Fiorey


The War on Terror is characterized by a tenacious enemy, longevity, repeated deployments, unpredictable risk of injury and death, and an expectation of higher order of performance. It has extracted a tremendous toll on Soldiers exposed to combat related stress. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a signature injury of this war with far reaching implications that include reduced unit operational effectiveness, damaged lives, and enormous resource expense. In addition to identification, evaluation and treatment of PTSD, effective leadership may be a means to reduce the impact of PTSD. Research indicates that some combat units are more resilient than others and that this is directly attributable to leadership. PTSD is an emotional response to situational or environmental stressors that requires leaders who understand the influence of emotions on human response and can use emotional competence to create environments that enhance resilience. Current military doctrine does not adequately emphasize integration of emotional intelligence in leadership development. The incidence of PTSD is anticipated to continue in OEF. Every avenue for reducing the impact of it should be leveraged.