Security forces gain 'edge' against PTSD

by Airman 1st Class Dillian Bamman
23d Wing Public Affairs

10/31/2014 - MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 23d Security Forces Squadron recently implemented a new resiliency course, the "Defender's Edge" program, into their monthly training plan to help Airmen cope with post-traumatic stress disorder.

DEFED teaches security forces Airmen resiliency skills to deal with on-the-job stress from critical situations like an active shooter, a crime scene or deployed combat.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Desmond Pearson, 23d Security Forces Squadron unit trainer, recently attended a DEFED seminar at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., and he now teaches the two-hour resiliency course in his squadron, and later, he wants to incorporate the training into base active-shooter exercises.

"[DEFED] is a resiliency program that encompasses everyday aspects of security forces," said Pearson. "It is used to [strengthen the skills] that we develop against combat and personal stress. It's pre-treatment for actually going downrange."

For Airmen suffering from stress, support is essential, and in this training, Pearson tells Airmen to rely on their wingmen.

"Who you deploy with, your superiors, your peers -- they're the ones who you need to turn to first, because they've probably been through the same situation before," said Pearson.

PTSD, a natural emotional reaction to a deeply shocking and disturbing experience, has many signs coworkers can identify, like depression, detachment from loved ones, recurring nightmares and flashbacks.

"A friend of mine at my last base [was shot] in the Frankfurt (Germany) airport shooting ... and he had some problems with PTSD after," said Airman 1st Class Adam Mijares, 23d SFS response force member. "If this program was around before what happened, he could've been a lot better after the incident."

Both Pearson and Mijares have the Defender's Edge training to cope with combat stress, and they both agree communication is the key factor on identifying and helping with PTSD.

"No matter what you're doing, communicate ... if you're having stress, let someone know," said Pearson. "[Your coworkers] have the experience, and they can direct you to the different agencies to get the help you need."

Pearson sighed deeply and added, " ... always let your spouse know what's going on."

Skills from DEFED and support from friends and family can help, but the Airman and Family Readiness Center, base chapel and Mental Health also support Airmen in need.

"I'm glad we have a program like [DEFED] that's there just for us," said Mijares. "It gives us direction on where we need to turn to when we need support the most."