VCNO Testifies Before SASC; Emphasizes Fostering Resilience in Sailors, Families

From U.S. Navy Chief of Information

June 22, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) June 22 in Washington, D.C., vice chief of naval operations (VCNO) discussed the Navy's ongoing efforts in preventing suicides and treating the invisible wounds of war - post traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

"Each suicide is a tragic loss that can destroy families, devastate a community and impact unit cohesiveness and morale," said VCNO Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, in his opening statement. "While the contributing factors of suicide are unique to each person, a common thread is a personal, perceived inability to cope with stress. Our focus of effort is to better understand the stressors that Sailors and their families face and equip them with positive methods to cope with stress."

The acronym for this suicide prevention effort is "ACT," said Greenert.

"To ask about a shipmate, to care for the shipmate and to help that shipmate get treatment," continued Greenert, explaining the many steps taken by the Navy to foster resilience in Sailors and their families, increase unit and family level vigilance and encourage early intervention and care.

The first step is training and creating awareness for providers, Sailors and their families, said Greenert.

Since Oct. 1, 2009, the Navy has conducted training workshops for leaders, first responders and suicide prevention coordinators in 20 locations in five countries, with five more being planned for the end of the fiscal year. A new training video called "Suicide Prevention: A Message from Survivors" was distributed in April 2010. Interactive training programs like front-line supervisor training and peer-to-peer training have been distributed and are strengthening "a culture of support," said Greenert. About 120,000 people have been trained in operational stress control so far.

"The key in all of this is taking control of stressors," said Greenert. "Stress is a fact of life. We want to reframe the issue in terms of operational stress control, a comprehensive approach to address the psychological health of Sailors and their families amidst a period of high operational tempo, a dynamic work environment and increased deployments."

Greenert also addressed PTS and TBI.

"Our Sailors deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan face a dynamic environment with unique experiences and a preponderance of events that manifest post traumatic stress. Accordingly, we are focused on preventing PTS, building resilience, eliminating barriers or stigma associated with the treatment after deployment," said Greenert.

Greenert explained that PTS prevention efforts include incorporating operational stress control continuum and stressing first aid principles for all Sailors – from basic training to flag officer development.

"While there are several injury patterns in theater, an important area for all of us remains traumatic brain injury. The diagnoses and treatment of TBI is a top priority," said Greenert.

Greenert explained that the Navy is "committed to a full assessment of blast injuries, immediate attention to injuries and ensuring that every Sailor affected subsequently receives the best medical treatment available."

The Navy works with other services, Defense Centers of Excellence, defense and veteran's brain injury centers, the Department of Veteran's Affairs and academia to assess TBI.

"By teaching Sailors to navigate stress, our Navy will make our force more resilient. By assisting and treating those with TBI and PTS, we could eliminate a potential cause of depression and suicidal behavior," said Greenert. "Our Navy is committed to a culture that fosters individual, family and command resilience and well-being. We honor the service and sacrifice of our members and their families, and we will do everything possible to support our Sailors, so that they recognize that their lives are truly valued and truly worth living."