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 on personal post-deployment issues.
Mental orientation
In the definition provided by the U.S. Army Medical Command
{{quote|text="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 |date=May 15, 2008 |accessdate=May 22, 2008 |publisher=U.S. Army Medical Command |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529053857/http://www.behavioralhealth.army.mil/battlemind/index.html |archivedate=29 May 2008 |url-status=dead }}}}
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 focused on the utility of battlemind while in service,{{cite book |author=Crosbie E. Saint |author-link=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 |author1=Julia M. Whealin |author2=Lorie T. DeCarvalho |author3=Edward M. Vega |title=Clinician's Guide to Treating Stress After War: Education and Coping Interventions for Veterans |publisher=Wiley |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-470-25777-7}}{{cite book |author1=Julia M. Whealin |author2=Lorie T. DeCarvalho |author3=Edward M. Vega |title=Strategies for Managing Stress After War: Veteran's Workbook and Guide to Wellness |publisher=Wiley |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-470-25776-0}}
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, 2008 |publisher=defenselink.mil| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20080520122624/http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=48567| archivedate= 20 May 2008 | url-status= live}}
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 is also a post-deployment module for spouses and several post-deployment modules for soldiers.
Controversy
Some veteran groups{{who|date=March 2020}} have expressed concern or curiosity about the effectiveness of the Battlemind program in addressing post traumatic stress disorder.{{cite web |title=A LOOK AT DoD's "BATTLEMIND" PROGRAM |url=http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfJAN08/nf010408-1.htm |author=Scott, Larry |accessdate=May 22, 2008 |publisher=VA Watchdog |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327073746/http://www.vawatchdog.org/08/nf08/nfJAN08/nf010408-1.htm |archive-date=March 27, 2008 |url-status=dead }}
External links
- https://web.archive.org/web/20080820212750/https://www.battlemind.army.mil/