JULY 21, 2021 – Subject matter experts from the Navy’s Medical, Training, Personnel and Chaplain communities, and the Navy’s Fleet and Family Support Program met at the NavalX facility in Alexandria, Va. July 14 and 15.
The conference was held to execute the Chief of Naval Operations’ intent to bring together existing Navy Warrior Toughness and Sailor Resiliency programs and initiatives into one aligned portfolio of training and mental health services a Sailor can use throughout his or her career.
“Warrior Toughness and Resilience are two complementary concepts,” said Capt. Melissa Lauby, Warrior Toughness Program Director at Naval Service Training Command (NSTC).
“Warrior Toughness is performance focused and designed to teach Sailors a variety of skills they can apply daily, weekly, and in times of crisis to be able to perform at the top of their ability when called upon. Resilience is focused on the health and well-being of Sailors as they navigate the challenges of their daily lives.”
Another complementary initiative rolling out in the fleet is the Expanded Operational Stress Control (E-OSC) program—a revamp from what used to be the Operational Stress Control program—that is equipping Sailors to help each other get through challenges.
“The E-OSC program is designed help Sailors manage their stress at the peer-to-peer level and build resilience through self and buddy care techniques,” said Jim Gerlach, Future Operations Branch Head at OPNAV N175. “The idea is to make psychological resilience and mindfulness training available on-demand to our people to improve the overall warfighting readiness of Sailors and units.”
During the event, the group worked to align different stakeholders on how best to enhance Navy warfighting effectiveness by simplifying the portfolio of services and programs currently available to Sailors throughout the Fleet.
NavalX is an innovation and agility cell that supports and connects initiatives across the Department of Defense. NavalX provides teams with insightful tools, training, and resources – enabling them to think differently and deliver more effective solutions to the warfighter.
From LCDR Andriana Genualdi