Building psychological resilience in Armed Forces worldwide

Abstract

Psychological resilience among troops can be enhanced through relatively simple interventions. Globally, various Armed Forces have successfully implemented modules for building psychological resilience. Programs from different countries are listed, evaluated and their underpinnings explored. Recommendations for a variety of feasible and culturally acceptable interventions targeted at individuals, families, units, community and organizations in the Indian context have been made; ranging from mindfulness training to embedded combat psychologists. Interventions are likely to succeed if integrated within existing basic training and unit/career programs.

Keywords: Combat resilience; Military resilience; Operational stress resilience; Psychological resilience in Armed Forces; Soldier resilience.