Sgt. 1st Class Todossii Short, lead master resilience instructor, Headquarters and Headquarters Battal-ion, 4th Infantry Division, teaches NCOs how to build connection with their Soldiers during a master resilience class at the HHBN Company Operations Facility July 13, 2015. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Rob Oson)
By Staff Sgt. Rob Oson
4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office
Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, paused normal training activities to work on comprehensive Soldier and Family fitness by conducting master resilience training (MRT) July 13, 2015.
As part of the Army’s Ready and Resilient Campaign, the MRT program enhances the performance and improves the overall strength and resilience of Soldiers, Family members and Army Civilians, said Sgt. 1st Class Todossii Short, lead master resilience trainer, HHBN.
Short instructed a class about effective praise and active constructive responding, a tenant of the overall MRT program, which leads Soldiers to develop coping skills and behaviors and increases an individual’s capability to handle life’s stressors.
“It’s one of the 14 master resiliency skills,” she explained to the Soldiers attending her block of instruction. “The primary target of that skill is connection. Connection builds relationships, and it builds a greater sense of belonging.”
Short discussed how fostering a Soldier’s sense of belonging helps to minimize a Soldier’s inability to cope with challenges.
The goal for leaders and Soldiers alike is to pay attention to each other, get to know each other and work together to address problems in the early stages.
“When they have someone they can share their positive experiences with in the workplace, or at home, it builds that connection; it strengthens that relationship and gives that Soldier a greater sense of optimism,” said Short.
Soldiers attending the training learned the importance of camaraderie, how to strengthen relationships with each other and the impact of building a team.
“I’ll try to talk to more people, to reach out and meet people more often, because it can make a difference,” said Spc. Alexis Powell, a human intelligence collector, HHBN, 4th Inf. Div. “Even just saying, ‘Hi,’ to someone instead of just walking by can mean a lot.”
The last class of the day thoroughly examined the Army’s Soldier Leader Risk Reduction Tool (SLRRT), and how the Army survey can facilitate a conversation between leaders and their Soldiers. The SLRRT easily identifies issues of concern and connects Soldiers to appropriate local and national resources when necessary, while enabling early intervention.
“I saw the effect suicide can have on a unit early in my career,” said 1st Sgt. James Middleton, Company C, HHBN. “It’s important for leaders to make sure their Soldiers know all of the resources available to help someone when they are feeling down.”
While Army regulations establish training requirements, some Soldiers believe topics such as suicide prevention and MRT will always have value.
“It’s so important, because (suicide is) so easy to prevent,” said Sgt. Patrick Jarvis, multichannel transmission systems operator, Company C, HHBN. “If we’re going to lose a Soldier, it should be on the battlefield not at home because they feel alone. All you have to do is let a Soldier know you care.”
It is important for everyone to remember help is available, said Middleton. If a Soldier, Family member or friend is struggling with thoughts of suicide, it is important for them to talk to someone about it.
No matter the problem, Soldiers should remember they are not alone, and there are always better solutions available, he said.
Soldiers can call the National Suicide Hotline at 800-235-TALK (8255), and press “1” if a veteran or current member of the military, or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Soldiers can also contact their chaplain or a Fort Carson behavioral health provider.