Gaining Emotional Stability The First Battle to be Won by Military Reservists
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Other.
Gaining Emotional Stability: The First Battle for Military Reservists
Summary
This article delves into the vital struggle for emotional stability faced by military reservists. Adjusting to active duty, particularly in combat scenarios, requires this stability. The article also explores the lifestyle changes that occur when reservists leave their jobs and families to serve in the military.
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Gaining Emotional Stability: The First Challenge for Military Reservists
Today, thousands of Army and Marine reservists are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since 9/11, over 153,000 have been deployed in the U.S. war against terrorism. For these citizen-soldiers, answering the call to active duty signifies more than just returning to military service?"it’s a complete lifestyle transformation.
Reservists live everyday lives like the rest of us, enjoying their morning coffee on the way to work. But when duty calls, their lives change dramatically. Men trade in fashionable hairstyles for crew cuts, while women adhere to strict regulations on hair length. In a typical platoon, you might meet an advertising executive, a school teacher, a construction worker, or an IT professional?"all now soldiers. They leave their jobs, don battle uniforms, and arm themselves with M-4 rifles, ammunition, and radio equipment. The daily grind of commuting pales in comparison to the dangers of evading roadside bombs.
For these soldiers, deployment to war zones in Iraq or Afghanistan isn't a choice?"it’s a duty. Reservist officers must serve a cumulative eight years before they can resign. Surprisingly, many choose to continue their service. Some felt guilty watching the war unfold on TV instead of actively participating. While combat duty is a reality for some, reservists fill over 100 essential roles, including administrative, legal, mechanical, and technical positions.
A common challenge among reservists is overcoming depression. Whether hesitant or eager, all face the emotional burden of saying goodbye to jobs, family, and loved ones for at least six months to a year. Many are newlyweds or new parents. Imagine leaving a newborn behind, unsure of your return from a war claiming countless lives.
Anxiety and fear are constant companions as they head to training camps for months of physical and mental preparation. Transitioning from civilian comforts is tough, and refresher courses help them understand their mission while providing strategies for gaining emotional stability.
The U.S. military offers several programs to support emotional well-being, such as the Mental Health Self-Assessment Program (MHSAP). This voluntary, anonymous program evaluates depression, PTSD, and other emotional issues. Being far from home, more than the dangers of combat, contributes to reservists' emotional struggles.
In some cases, military doctors prescribe antidepressants to help soldiers adjust. For those who don’t plan prolonged service, access to counseling is as crucial as food and ammunition. Indeed, overcoming the challenges of separation and physical dislocation is their first battle.
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