Battlemind

Battlemind is both the mental orientation developed during a combat zone deployment and a program developed at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) intended to reduce its impact post-deployment.

Mental Orientation

In the definition provided by the U.S. Army Medical Command

"Battlemind is the Soldier's inner strength to face fear and adversity with courage. Key components include:
#Self confidence: taking calculated risks and handling challenges.
#Mental toughness: overcoming obstacles or setbacks and maintaining positive thoughts during times of adversity and challenge."cite web |url=http://www.behavioralhealth.army.mil/battlemind/index.html|title=Battlemind Information|author=|date=May 15, 2008|accessdate=May 22|accessyear=2008|publisher=U.S. Army Medical Command]

The significance of Battlemind in the Medical Command's context is that "Battlemind skills helped you survive in combat, but may cause you problems if not adapted when you get home."

Initial writings on the subject focussed on the utility of battlemind while in service cite book
author=Crosbie E Saint|title=Battlemind guidelines for battalion commanders |publisher=Headquarters, U.S. Army, Europe and Seventh Army
year=1992] , while several recent works focus on treatment and self-help.cite book
author=Julia M. Whealin, Lorie T. DeCarvalho, Edward M. Vega
title=Clinician's Guide to Treating Stress After War: Education and Coping Interventions for Veterans |publisher=Wiley
year=2008|id=ISBN 978-0470257777 ] cite book|author=Julia M. Whealin, Lorie T. DeCarvalho, Edward M. Vega
title=Strategies for Managing Stress After War: Veteran's Workbook and Guide to Wellness|publisher=Wiley
year=2008|id=ISBN 978-0470257760 ]

Program

The first Battlemind product was a mental health post-deployment briefing. It quickly became a training system supporting soldiers and families across the seven phases of the deployment cycle.cite web |url=http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48567
title=‘Battlemind’ Prepares Soldiers for Combat, Returning Home
author=Huseman, Susan
date=Jan. 3, 2008|accessdate=May 22|accessyear=2008|publisher=defenselink.mil]

The Battlemind system now includes separate pre-deployment training modules for soldiers, unit leaders, health care providers and spouses. Psychological debriefings are given in theater and upon redeployment. There are also a post-deployment module for spouses and several post-deployment modules for soldiers.

Controversy

Some veterans groups have expressed concern or curiosity about the effectiveness of the Battlemind program in addressing Posttraumatic stress disorder.cite web |url=http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfJAN08/nf010408-1.htm|title= A LOOK AT DoD's "BATTLEMIND" PROGRAM|author=Scott, Larry|date=|accessdate=May 22|accessyear=2008|publisher=VA Watchdog]

External links

* http://www.battlemind.army.mil/

References