Combat Operational Stress Control in Iraq: Lessons Learned During Operation Iraqi Freedom

Abstract

The current clinical operations of Combat Stress Control (CSC) teams deployed to Iraq can be informed by the lessons of past deployments and recent empirical research. However, there are few published lessons from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) itself. Two deployed psychologists review 4 lessons learned in the context of deployment in support of OIF III. Specifically, we review the need for CSC providers to anticipate providing commanders rationales for not evacuating some soldiers. Additional lessons include the CSC contributions made by flexible personnel placement, the role of clinical needs assessment, and the ongoing need to educate isolated personnel about CSC mobility. It is hoped that by sharing these lessons, CSCs may continue their history of effective preventive and clinical services within operational environments.

Occupational Performance Needs of Young Veterans

“…As part of that therapy, behavioral techniques such as scheduling mastery and pleasure exercises, self-reliance training, and role playing are used to help treat the symptoms of anhedonia, social withdrawal, and concentration difficulties. Young veterans have also been reported (Reger & Moore, 2006) to benefit from groups on stress and anger management, relaxation training, and sleep hygiene.…”

Operational Psychology Post-9/11: A Decade of Evolution

“…However, in 2006, Military Psychology published a special issue devoted to operational psychology (Williams & Johnson, 2006). This special issue ushered in a wave of papers on this topic and encouraged operational psychologists to speak openly about their operational support activities (Hoyt, 2006;Kennedy & Zillmer, 2006;Reger & Moore, 2006;Saus, Johnsen, Eid, Riisem, Andersen, & Thayer, 2006;Shumate & Borum, 2006;Staal & Stephenson, 2006;Stephenson & Staal, 2007a). Williams, Picano, Roland, and Banks (2006) were able to trace the origin of the term "operational psychology" to a number of related sources to include psychological activities supporting manned space travel (Holland & Curtis, 1998), human factors, performance, and selection duties associated with Naval operational medicine (Naval Operational Medicine Institute), and lastly, a reference to the Russian Federal Security Service in which operational psychologists provide training in assessment and selection, antiterrorism, and counterintelligence.…”

Professional burnout in clinical military psychologists: Recommendations before, during, and after deployment.

“…First, it may be prudent to track provider workload and assign additional mental health support in busy areas known to have higher levels of combat exposure and casualties. Lessons learned from a combat stress control team in Iraq (Reger & Moore, 2006) could assist military leaders as they develop a greater appreciation for the importance and complexities of positioning mental health assets in a deployed setting. Easing the burden for mental health providers in the deployed setting could improve job satisfaction, protect professional confidence and, in turn, ensure that service members receive proper mental health care.…”

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