Subscribe to our BlogCoping with Long Term Deployment
American Military University (AMU) professor John Moore presented an interesting study on coping with long-term deployments and post-traumatic stress disorders at the Air Force Association’s 2006 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition last month.
Moore outlined four steps for reducing the stress of long-term deployments:
1. Develop a stress prevention plan
2. Establish healthy communications
3. Follow a routine
4. Reassess the plan – and change what isn’t working
To receive a copy of the presentation, "Long Term Deployments: Airmen Under Stress, Family in Crisis," contact publicaffairs@apus.edu.
AMU posted a press release about the presentation. Click here to view .
Comments
Professor John Moore is on track with his article. Most people read these articles and ignore them until they are actually deployed and the reality of stress kicks in. Sometimes the deployed person has less stress than the family left behind. Once the deployed person becomes accustomed to the explosions going off outside the fence, the rest of the time is the same routine of working, eating and sleeping. Throw in some gym time and that is as simple a routine as they come. Back home the family is going to school, work, shopping, paying bills and generally having to take care of all the things you used to do before the deployment. Communication has become much easier in today's military with the internet and cellular phones. Communication has come along way from the days of writing a letter and waiting a month for a reply. Always remember there is light at the end of the tunnel and keep marking the days off on your calendar.
Posted by: Jerry W. Zabokrtsky | October 17, 2006 2:39 PM