Today’s military mental health: Helping you achieve peak operational performance

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dennis P. Tansley
  • 8th Medical Group Mental Health flight commander
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  What comes to mind when I say, "the psychology of special ops"? How about, "sports psychology"? You may think of things like having situational control or peak performance when under stress.

Now, what comes to mind when I say "psychotherapy" or "mental health clinic"? You might think a visit to the mental health clinic equals a ruined career, or you might think of Freud's art of lying on couches. Not so!

The mental health clinic functions in an operational framework. That is, we provide members with the tools and skills necessary for them to achieve peak performance in any facet of life, whether it's surviving and thriving in a remote assignment, in relationships, during a tough day on the job, or while in combat.

I had the good fortune to be a part of the team that developed the "12-targets" below which are now central to our rules of engagement in Air Force mental health today (see AFI 44-172, Mental Health, 5 Sep 12). These targets are designed to help you achieve peak performance through education and action - your action.

12-TARGETS TO ENHANCE RESILIENCE AND OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

Extended periods of high ops tempo or brief periods of intense operations can degrade performance. If practiced regularly the behaviors and thoughts described below enhance operational performance and resiliency in the midst of combat or operational stressors.

1. Physical Fitness: Exercise not only improves strength and stamina, it enhances the ability of the body and mind to function at peak performance level, and creates a sense of well-being.

2. Nutrition: Healthy foods and plenty of water together form the optimal fuel to ensure the mind and body operate at peak performance. Eating well and staying hydrated are essential for being at your best.

3. Recharge: Take control of how you use your energy and include time for your body to replenish before the next surge of energy use. Identify recreational activities you enjoy and things that help you relax. Try to get 7 or 8 hours of sleep every 24hours if the mission permits. Whenever possible, maintain a consistent sleep schedule and try to use the bed only for sleep.

4. Strategic Thinking: You automatically evaluate every event in your life. Pay attention to how you think about things and identify the good and the bad of each situation. Keep thoughts balanced and build confidence in yourself and training by reminding yourself of other challenges you have overcome and what you are learning through each circumstance.

5. Situational Awareness (SA): Be aware of what is going on around you and remind yourself of your role in the task or mission. By realistically assessing each situation and leveraging your thoughts using awareness of the situation and training, you will improve your performance under challenging situations.

6. Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving increases the probability of a good solution. Follow these steps: 1. Specifically define the problem; 2. Set a realistic goal; 3. Generate multiple solutions (don't skip this part); 4. Compare the solutions, select one, and implement; and 5. Evaluate the outcome and identify lessons learned.

7. Purpose = Y: Keep your purpose and role in the mission clear in your mind. Define your Y (Why). Remind yourself of the reasons you were selected for or chose the job and the value you can gain. Thinking about your contribution to the bigger mission can reground you to a sense of purpose in life.

8. Tactical Breathing: Stress and adrenaline can cause physical responses that erode performance, but Tactical Breathing can bring focus and attention. Control your breathing by simply taking slow, deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly, releasing muscle tension as you exhale and focus on the task at hand.

9. Comm Check: Make sure you are receiving the information that the sender intended and that your message has been received as you intended. Ask the person what they heard you say. Do not respond until the receiver finishes retelling what you said. Clarify if your message has been misunderstood.

10. Mental Rehearsal: Images are powerful so use them to build your mental fitness by practicing performance-building techniques. Practice a task or procedure in your mind by visualizing yourself doing it well before you actually attempt it. Imagine a successful outcome.

11. Be a Wingman: A Wingman cares for himself, others and his AF family. Signs of distress in others should not be dismissed and neither should senseless risks to life as a result of improper safety and irresponsible behavior. Make responsible choices and help others do the same.

12. Lead from the Front: Demonstrate good leadership by using these techniques yourself. Talk about them and hold Airmen accountable. A leader facilitates positive group "sense making" of an experience, seeks out meaningful and challenging group tasks, communicates a high level of respect and commitment to unit members and anticipates high-stress events.

No matter what you do in the military: special operations, lodging, maintenance, fuels, security forces, mail services, medical, etc, the principles are the same. This is simply what mental health in today's Air Force is all about - keeping people fit to fight tonight!

If you want to achieve peak performance in your life, you are welcome to visit the mental health clinic to see how we can help you get there.