Real Warriors

Five Tips To Reinforce Unit Cohesion

2012-05-23T22:00:00-07:00

Unit cohesion provides service members with a natural support network during deployment and when returning home.1,2 A cohesive unit is one whose members share a strong bond, loyalty and commitment to each other and the mission.3 Simply put, having strong social ties to unit members and leaders supports a unit’s combat readiness. In this article, learn how you, the line leader, can build unit cohesion and promote your unit’s resilience.

Source: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Mallory S. VanderSchans/Released

Thu, 2012-05-24

You Are Not Alone: Suicide Prevention Tools for Warriors

2012-05-09T22:00:00-07:00

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, know that you are not alone. Free, confidential resources are instantly available to aid you if you are in crisis. To get help immediately, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-TALK and press 1, or chat online now for 24/7 access to trained counselors.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, know that you are not alone. Free, confidential resources are instantly available to aid you if you are in crisis.

Mon, 2011-08-29

Coping with Separation

2012-04-19T07:49:55-07:00

Preparing for a service member’s upcoming deployment can be difficult for all members of the military family, including children. Deployment or mobilization can be particularly challenging for children of National Guardsmen and reservists because they may not have the same community support system and resources that are available to active-duty families that live near or on a military installation. Families of National Guard and reserve service members may feel isolated because they are often living in civilian communities where their friends and neighbors may not understand the changes that come with deployment.

Source: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shawn P. Coover/Released

Wed, 2012-04-18

Stay Connected with Deployed Parents

2012-04-12T06:48:08-07:00

It can be difficult for families to stay in touch or feel connected when a parent is deployed. Using online programs, such as the ones highlighted in this article, can help families maintain regular communication, reassure children about their parent’s deployment and reinforce parents’ bonds with their children.1

Photo Credit: Jupiterimages/Thinkstock

Thu, 2012-04-12

Sesame Workshop’s Military Families Initiatives

2012-04-05T22:00:00-07:00

With more than 700,000 children who have experienced a parent’s deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan, the Sesame Workshop developed tools and resources to help military families cope with common stressors of deployment.1

Fri, 2012-04-06

April Is the Month of the Military Child

2012-04-04T22:00:00-07:00

Each year, the Department of Defense recognizes military families by celebrating the Month of the Military Child throughout April.1 Service members with children across the nation can take this opportunity to spend time with their loved ones, while also learning about the importance of family resilience and readiness. The information and resources below can help you communicate with your family throughout the Month of the Military Child and the entire deployment cycle.

Photo by Cpl. Theodore Ritchie

Fri, 2012-03-09

Alternative Resources to TRICARE’S Assistance Program

2012-03-29T07:29:42-07:00

The web-based TRICARE Assistance Program (TRIAP) demonstration ended on March 31, 2012. Although TRIAP no longer provides information, counseling and referral services, other resources are available to support warriors and families experiencing psychological health concerns. For example, service members, veterans and families can access 24/7 support through the Real Warriors Campaign live chat available through the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) Outreach Center.

Photo by Debralee P. Crankshaw

Thu, 2012-03-29

Veterans Affairs in the Digital Age

2012-03-21T22:00:00-07:00

Health care , home loans , life insurance , educational assistance , and vocational rehabilitation are just some of the services the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has to offer. With VA offering so many programs, veterans may feel overwhelmed by such a large amount of helpful information. VA is working to make it easier for veterans to find out how and where to access these services through new and effective communication tools, including social media and a new national outreach campaign.

Follow our three-part series entitled Transitioning to the VA:
Part 1: Veterans Affairs Health Benefits Overview
Part 2: Compensation, Pension and Other VA Benefits
Part 3: Veterans Affairs in the Digital Age

Thu, 2012-03-22

Support & Resources for Single Service Members

2012-03-14T17:06:57-07:00

As a single service member, it is important to have a personal network of peers, friends and family members to help you cope with the challenges that you may experience throughout a deployment cycle. They can help you feel connected to life at home, cope with the stress of a combat environment and help you readjust when you return from deployment. Try using the tips and suggestions below to help you strengthen and expand your personal support network.

Source: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jon Dasbach/Released

Wed, 2012-03-14

Profile: Cmdr. (Chaplain) Steve Dundas

2012-03-06T07:35:16-08:00

Video Title:

Cmdr. (Chaplain) Steve Dundas

Video Category:

Profiles

Video Description:

During Chaplain Dundas' deployment to Iraq, he experienced combat first-hand while providing support to service members. He returned home feeling depressed, angry and disconnected from his faith, but with the support of his command, he received care and learned tools and tips for coping with PTSD.

Video File:

RW_Profile_LCDRSteveDundas_FINAL2_wPromotionGfx.flv

Closed Caption XML:

dundas_1.xml

Video Thumbnail:

Video Rating:

Youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/d-c-AMU6hLA

Tue, 2012-03-06