thedrifter
08-04-07, 06:25 AM
Small-unit leaders help Marines upon return to states
Lance Cpl. Shawn M. Coolman
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Aug. 3, 2007) -- A small dose of small-unit leadership can help Marines cope with post-deployment stress.
Post-deployment stress is an anxiety condition that can occur after a traumatic experience.
Marines returning from deployment should use their chain of command for guidance.
"Look for words of advice, leadership, what to do and a sense of relief," said Pfc. Ricardo A. Ortega, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. "Be able to speak your mind and a noncommissioned officer will listen to you."
The best way to reach people with post-deployment stress is in group settings, said Ortega, 23, from Houston. Everyone that has problems can get together and talk, and the NCO can give advice and talk within the group, said Ortega.
Knowing your Marines and looking out for their welfare is part of the 11 Marine Corps leadership principles.
This particular leadership trait can prove useful for small-unit leadership to recognize and seek treatment for Marines with post-deployment stress.
"You can always tell by how outgoing they are and if they are able to handle their job," said Staff Sgt. Miguel R. Saenz, a platoon sergeant with Battery T, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. "Their work ethic changes, the way they hang out with other Marines and they want to be left alone."
Most NCOs agree that their job is to mentor junior Marines and to instill self confidence in them.
"Sit down with them and explain why things happen and how things work," said Saenz, 30, from Ratcliff Ky. "It lets them see what they have to do to get back into the fight."
The small-unit leadership must instill confidence in the Marines who need help, so that they can continue to do their job effectively.
The senior enlisted Marines teach specific ideas on how the small-unit leadership should handle their Marines with post-deployment stress.
The hard part is getting the Marines to come forward and say that they need help, said Sgt. Maj. Dennis W. Reed, the I Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major.
"Sit down and start talking, get the Marine to relax and talk about what's going on in their life," Reed said.
Utilizing small-unit leadership to handle the stress concerns is vital to keeping Marines ready to fight.
Reed said to stress the fact that there are no stigmas involved and establish that they're not the only Marines coping with this problem. There is no harm or foul to come forward and ask for help.
Ellie
Lance Cpl. Shawn M. Coolman
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(Aug. 3, 2007) -- A small dose of small-unit leadership can help Marines cope with post-deployment stress.
Post-deployment stress is an anxiety condition that can occur after a traumatic experience.
Marines returning from deployment should use their chain of command for guidance.
"Look for words of advice, leadership, what to do and a sense of relief," said Pfc. Ricardo A. Ortega, a rifleman with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. "Be able to speak your mind and a noncommissioned officer will listen to you."
The best way to reach people with post-deployment stress is in group settings, said Ortega, 23, from Houston. Everyone that has problems can get together and talk, and the NCO can give advice and talk within the group, said Ortega.
Knowing your Marines and looking out for their welfare is part of the 11 Marine Corps leadership principles.
This particular leadership trait can prove useful for small-unit leadership to recognize and seek treatment for Marines with post-deployment stress.
"You can always tell by how outgoing they are and if they are able to handle their job," said Staff Sgt. Miguel R. Saenz, a platoon sergeant with Battery T, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. "Their work ethic changes, the way they hang out with other Marines and they want to be left alone."
Most NCOs agree that their job is to mentor junior Marines and to instill self confidence in them.
"Sit down with them and explain why things happen and how things work," said Saenz, 30, from Ratcliff Ky. "It lets them see what they have to do to get back into the fight."
The small-unit leadership must instill confidence in the Marines who need help, so that they can continue to do their job effectively.
The senior enlisted Marines teach specific ideas on how the small-unit leadership should handle their Marines with post-deployment stress.
The hard part is getting the Marines to come forward and say that they need help, said Sgt. Maj. Dennis W. Reed, the I Marine Expeditionary Force sergeant major.
"Sit down and start talking, get the Marine to relax and talk about what's going on in their life," Reed said.
Utilizing small-unit leadership to handle the stress concerns is vital to keeping Marines ready to fight.
Reed said to stress the fact that there are no stigmas involved and establish that they're not the only Marines coping with this problem. There is no harm or foul to come forward and ask for help.
Ellie