I'm thrilled to share insights into a groundbreaking collaboration that marks a significant milestone in resilience training development for military personnel. This week, we celebrated the fruitful partnership between the Forsvarets sanitet - Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services - IMPS (Institute for Military Psychiatry and Stress control) and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Together, we've developed the Operative Resilience Training (ORT) program, a crucial initiative tailored specifically to enhance the resilience of soldiers under stress.
Key figures in this project include our senior researcher, Andreas Nordstrand, and Dr. Amy Adler from WRAIR, whose expertise in human cognitive technologies has been instrumental in shaping this program. In recognition of these efforts, the WRAIR commander Lozano was honored with a Crest, awarded on behalf of our Surgeon General, Petter Iversen.
The urgency of this program is magnified by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, prompting a specialized focus on the needs of Ukrainian soldiers. Since Russia's invasion in 2022, NATO forces, including Norwegian troops, have been actively involved in Eastern Europe, not only enhancing regional security but also engaging directly in training Ukrainian forces through various military competencies.
A notable initiative, Operation Gungne, spearheaded by the Norwegian Armed Forces, focuses on providing specialized training for Ukrainian infantry. This includes combat medic training, which is now an integral part of their training regimen. The ORT program is mandatory, ensuring that combat medics are equipped with both medical and psychological tools to manage combat stress effectively.
The curriculum developed in collaboration with WRAIR includes techniques for managing combat stressors, active listening, and interventions tailored to acute stress reactions. We emphasize a holistic approach, aiming to enhance physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral responses to stress. Techniques such as postponing worry, grounding exercises, deliberate breathing, and positive self-talk are critical components, helping medics maintain psychological equilibrium and potentially enhance their performance in challenging environments.
This initiative not only highlights the importance of cognitive resilience in military operations but also demonstrates the power of international collaboration in advancing military medical practices. We are proud to contribute to this vital aspect of military training, ensuring that our medics are not only skilled but also mentally equipped to face the challenges of modern warfare. #ORT #operativerecilliencetraining #FSAN #WRAIR #forsvaret #resilliens #ukraina #norge #performance #psychology #prevention #NATO #Norwegianarmedforces #IMPS #FOU