A commander’s thoughts on loss

By Lt. Col. Leland Ward

Commander, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry

Wisconsin Army National Guard

I cannot imagine a worse experience than the following — the phone rings and the voice at the other end, both professional and sad, says: “Sir, I have a serious incident report.”

You brace yourself hoping for anything less than loss of life, but hope is not an option. Your mind clears to collect the necessary information and take all the proper actions. Once you address the details, your mind begins to assess the loss and determine what you can do to prevent future loss.

Leaders all know that influencing beyond our span of control is a critical skill. We also know that identifying the correct problem is the first step to problem solving. This brief message addresses what we know as well as some novel concepts to share with service members and leaders on the subject. The point is to maintain dialog on the critical issue of learning how to prevent unnecessary loss.

We know that the rate of loss in the Wisconsin National Guard has increased since 1991. Tracking non-duty deaths has heightened our awareness of this critical issue. Given the dynamics and make-up of the average service member, statistic projections would indicate that our service members are at slightly higher risk than their peers are in the civilian sector. We know that the military has established programs and made counseling available at a record level, yet despite these great efforts, our loss continues to grow.

Consider, if you will, the following concepts — first, our deployed and non-deployed service members, regardless of their exposure to violent acts of war, operate at significant stress levels and often maintain extended periods of hyper-vigilance. This extended exposure to adrenaline — a highly addictive and dangerous biochemical — may create long-term issues including thrill seeking behaviors and depression once the service member returns to the relative safety of the home environment. Second, the rule-based environment of the military, left unsupported by an equal development of self-preservation skills, may lead service members to less self-control when outside the military structure.

Therefore, let us discuss ways and means to help service members understand and overcome the addiction to adrenalin. Let us also take every opportunity to teach and develop a sixth sense of safety, reinforcing the natural instinct for self-preservation. Rules are important, but rules alone will not keep our service members safe in every environment and situation.

What are you doing to stop these senseless losses?