Monday, March 27, 2023
  • About us
    • Write for us
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of use
    • Privacy Policy
  • RSS Feeds
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
DefenceTalk
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports
No Result
View All Result
DefenceTalk
No Result
View All Result

Sustaining drumbeat of ‘Ready and Resilient’ force through awareness, action

by Army News Service
September 12, 2013
in Army News
4 min read
0
Sustaining drumbeat of ‘Ready and Resilient’ force through awareness, action
14
VIEWS

September is Suicide Prevention Month and the Department of the Army joins our nation and the world in observing National Suicide Prevention Week, Sept. 8-14, 2013, in the U.S. and the World Health Organization’s World Suicide Prevention Day, Sept. 10, as part of efforts to promote awareness about suicide and empower individuals and communities to intervene and save lives by understanding the risk factors, warning signs, protective measures, and to take appropriate intervention actions when needed.

The Army’s leadership role in the fight to prevent suicide is to increase awareness of the Army’s suicide prevention resources, and continued efforts to educate, empower, and equip Soldiers, families and Department of the Army Civilians to seek help for life stressors and intervene to aid others who display at-risk behaviors.

The end state is a more informed and resilient Army family and a climate where Soldiers, families, and civilians seek help when needed and are empowered to intervene and act to save lives.

“We call on each of you to act, know your Soldier, and know the existing prevention resources,” said Lt. Gen. Patricia D. Horoho, Army surgeon general and commander of the U.S. Army Medical Command. “These tools are key to self care and sustainment of our Army family.”

In March 2009, in response to a growing number of Army suicides, the vice chief of staff of the Army released the Army Campaign Plan for Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention, and chartered the Army Suicide Prevention Task Force and the Army Suicide Prevention Council. Since that time, the Army has invested tremendous effort in investigating the causes of suicide within its ranks and in implementing policies and programs whose sole purpose is to promote resilience, prevent suicides, and enhance the readiness of the force. One such program is the Performance Triad, which focuses on monitoring one’s activity, nutrition and sleep as a means of fortifying Soldiers’ readiness and resilience.

In 2012, the Army doubled its efforts towards reducing the stigma associated with seeking behavioral healthcare. To address this tragic problem, the Army has instituted a multi-disciplinary, holistic approach to health promotion, risk reduction, and suicide prevention that addresses the many challenges our Soldiers, families, and Army civilians face.

“From our individual Soldiers and civilians to our units and families, we must be committed to investing in building enduring strength in a holistic way,” said John M. McHugh, secretary of the Army.

On Sept. 27, 2012, the U.S. Army conducted phase one (awareness and education) of an Army-wide suicide prevention stand down to empower leaders, Soldiers, families and civilians. During phase one, leaders conducted discussions with Soldiers and used the Leader Risk Reduction Tool (specifically developed for this purpose), conducted community and family-oriented events, and identified local programs, and resiliency training. The resources developed and utilized during the stand down are housed on the website of the Army Human Resources Group (Army G-1). The following day, phase two of the stand down began and continues today. Phase two (training and sustainment) will continue indefinitely.

Suicide prevention continues to be one of the most pressing ‘Health of the Force’ issues. Army leaders are committed to maintaining a supportive environment that improves the physical, emotional, and psychological resiliency of our Soldiers, families, civilians and individual/unit readiness. With the implementation of the 2020 Army Strategy for Suicide Prevention, the Army will attempt to shift its culture by increasing the emphasis on leader involvement to protect and promote life.

Army regulations governing health promotion, risk reduction, and suicide prevention describe suicide prevention as a continuum of awareness, intervention, and “postvention” [sic] to help save lives. Ultimately, the goal of prevention is to develop healthy, resilient Soldiers to the point where suicide is not an option.

The Ready and Resilient Campaign exemplifies the Army’s collaborative, holistic approach, which tailors suicide intervention, prevention, and response measures to ensure Soldier resilience. As a comprehensive plan addressing the immediate and enduring needs of the total Army — active duty, Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers, their families, and Department of Army Civilians, this campaign synchronizes and integrates key Army programs that focus on building resilience, reinforcing prevention, and supporting the reduction of suicide and suicidal ideation, sexual harassment and sexual assault, bullying and hazing, substance abuse, domestic violence; and stigma associated with seeking help.

Suicide is a multi-faceted problem that requires an equally sophisticated response. Life stressors including behavioral health issues, relationship difficulties, physical illness, and financial and legal problems can all weigh heavily on an individual, engendering feelings of burdensomeness and hopelessness. As these difficulties and feelings, real and/or perceived multiply within an individual, suicide can become an increasingly viable solution — a permanent solution for a temporary problem.

“Each suicide is a tragic loss for the Army family and America,” said Horoho. “As leaders it is our responsibility to end hazing, harassment, discrimination, and any behavior that runs counter to Army values. Empower those you lead to always intervene and act to save lives.”

For more than a decade, Army leadership has been up front in the creation and establishment of suicide prevention policy and innovative initiatives to bridge available resources with current needs. Over the past several years there has been a decrease in the percentage of Soldiers that hold views that bar them from seeking help. At the same time, the number of Soldiers who are using treatment programs such as behavioral health and substance abuse has steadily increased which indicates Soldiers are overcoming those stigma barriers. It will take time to change this culture, but through actions and example, Army leaders are beginning that transformation.

Defeating suicide will take active involvement from everyone. People can get involved and engage those struggling with setbacks and challenges.

Tags: Army & Security Forces Newsforcerapid reaction forcesituational awareness
Previous Post

US Navy Details Transition from P-3 to P-8 Aircraft

Next Post

Undersea Domain Operating Concept Approved by Chief of Naval Operations

Related Posts

Indonesia Orders Additional CAESAR Artillery Systems

France to send more mobile artillery to Ukraine

February 1, 2023

France will ship 12 more Caesar truck-mounted howitzers and fresh air defence equipment to Ukraine to bolster the fight against...

Leopard tanks to arrive in Ukraine around late March: Germany

Leopard tanks to arrive in Ukraine around late March: Germany

January 27, 2023

Leopard tanks pledged by Germany to help Ukraine repel Russia's invasion will arrive in "late March, early April", Defence Minister...

Next Post
Portable Undersea Training Range Ready to Exercise

Undersea Domain Operating Concept Approved by Chief of Naval Operations

Latest Defense News

Ahead of talks, North Korea says fired ‘new’ sub-launched missile

North Korea says it tested new underwater nuclear attack ‘drone’

March 24, 2023
China Naval Modernization: Implications for US Navy

Chinese military says ‘warned’ US warship to leave S. China Sea

March 24, 2023
Urban warfare ‘nightmare’ looms if Russia enters Ukraine cities

NATO rejects Russian complaints on UK uranium ammo

March 24, 2023
Russian navy in show of strength with 26 new ships this year

Russian navy ‘repelled’ drone attack on Crimea port

March 23, 2023
Officials provide details on building the Space Force, its structure, and operating imperatives

Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ at 40: Battle of the satellites

March 23, 2023
China will ‘never commit to abandoning the use of force’ on Taiwan: Xi

China diplomatic offensive lays down new challenge for US

March 22, 2023

Defense Forum Discussions

  • Russia and the West
  • Military Aviation News and Discussion
  • NATO
  • The Russian-Ukrainian War Thread
  • Indonesian Aero News
  • GMAP AVIATION VIDEO COLLECTION / FINNISH AIR FORCE JOIN NATO EXERCISE
  • Middle East Defence & Security
  • Taiwan alternative options
  • German Navy
  • General Aviation Thread
DefenceTalk

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com

Navigate Site

  • Defence Forum
  • Military Photos
  • RSS Feeds
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Defense News
    • Defense & Geopolitics News
    • War Conflicts News
    • Army News
    • Air Force News
    • Navy News
    • Missiles Systems News
    • Nuclear Weapons
    • Defense Technology
    • Cybersecurity News
  • Military Photos
  • Defense Forum
  • Military Videos
  • Military Weapon Systems
    • Weapon Systems
    • Reports

© 2003-2020 DefenceTalk.com