Kevlar for the Mind: Resilience is the goal of Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program - Military Health, military health and wellness, military physical fitness - Military Times

Kevlar for the Mind: Resilience is the goal of Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program

In the military’s ongoing search for fresh approaches to deal with troops’ mental health issues, the Army has a relatively new program called Comprehensive Soldier Fitness.

The initiative, which aims to improve resilience not only in soldiers but also in family members and Army civilians, is a structured, long-term assessment and development program based on more than 30 years of scientific study and results from the private sector.

CSF includes individual assessments, individualized computer-based training, classroom instruction and reliance on resident experts — typically noncommissioned officers — who are trained in enhancing resilience.

CSF got its start in 2009 when the Army approached the University of Pennsylvania to help design a program similar to one that the school had developed for civilians. The program focuses on five dimensions of resilience:

• Physical. Performing and excelling in physical activities that require aerobic fitness, endurance, strength, healthy body composition and flexibility.

• Emotional. Approaching life’s challenges in an optimistic way by demonstrating self-control, stamina and good character.

• Social. Developing and maintaining trusted, valued relationships that are personally fulfilling and foster good communication.

• Family. Being part of a family unit that is safe, supportive and loving, and provides the resources needed for all members to live in a healthy and secure environment.

• Spiritual. Strengthening a set of beliefs, principles or values that sustain a person beyond family, institutional and societal sources of strength.

Proponents believe enhancing resiliency across these domains will reduce levels of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other conditions, as well as strengthen existing relationships.

But the program is not without controversy. Critics claim the multimillion dollar project is based on scientific theories and principles that are unfounded or inconclusive. Other claim the spiritual dimension discriminates against non-Christians.

The reality probably lies somewhere in the middle. It’s likely that CSF will provide many benefits, but it’s unlikely to be a panacea.

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