1. UNCLASS/FOUO Ready – Relevant – Reliable – Responsive Wesley Bickford LTC, G-37, Individual Training Division U.S. Army Reserve Command September 21, 2012 1 Twice the Citizen - Army Strong! Twice the Citizen - Army Strong! COMPREHENSIVE SOLDIER & FAMILY FITNESS (CSF2) / RESILIENCY TRAINING UPDATECOMPREHENSIVE SOLDIER & FAMILY FITNESS (CSF2) / RESILIENCY TRAINING UPDATE

2. UNCLASS/FOUO What Is CSF2?  Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness is the US Army’s training program designed to improve the psychological health and resilience of Soldiers, Families and DA Civilians (“PT for the mind”)  Objective: Soldiers, Families and DA Civilians who: are better able to cope with adversity perform better in stressful situations thrive in life.  Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness is not a treatment program in response to adverse psychological conditions. It is a prevention program. 2 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

3. Mission Execute Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) program IOT increase the physical and psychological health, resilience and enhanced performance of Soldiers, Families and Army Civilians. Vision A Total Army team of physically healthy and psychologically strong Soldiers, Families and Civilians whose resilience and total fitness enables them to thrive in the military and to meet a wide range of operational demands. Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) UNCLASS/FOUO 3 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

4. Why CSF2? GEN Lloyd Austin VCSA 11 April 2012 SMA Raymond Chandler SMA 16 April 2012 “This program (CSF2) requires our continual Command emphasis to truly realize its real potential.” “I think we need to consider the MRT in line with a Master Gunner. They provide the commander expert advice on a readiness capability.” GEN Martin Dempsey CJCS 30 March 2012 “Important that we instill a mindset of resiliency and self-reliance over dependency. We must create a culture of resiliency.” GEN Raymond Odierno CSA 10 April 2012 “We need to institutionalize resiliency. It is not an additional training task, it is a way of life.” UNCLASS/FOUO 4 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

5. Resilience Training Post Adversity/Traumatic Growth PTS / PTSD  Anxiety  Anger  Substance Abuse  Violence  Sexual Assault  Isolation  Perception of Self  Spiritual Growth  Relationship Growth  Purpose of Life Stress Producing Event Adverse Traumatic Accession Resilience Level Performance Resilience Level Resilience Training and Post Traumatic Stress & Growth UNCLASS/FOUO 5 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

6. The Current Program Global Assessment Tool Comprehensive Resilience Modules Master Resilience Trainers Institutional Training  Confidential survey – mandatory at least annually for Soldiers  Optional for Family members / DAC’s  Measures psychological health and resilience  More than 2.1M GATs completed  Currently not tied to CRM’s – but will be  CSF2 website http://csf.army.mil/  Additional modules under production  Will link to individual GAT results  36 short videos https://www.sft.army.mil/CSFModules/MyTraining/Default.aspx https://www.sft.army.mil/CSFModules/MyTraining/Default.aspx  Master Resilience Trainers (MRTs) deliver resilience training to Soldiers, Family members and DA Civilians  Nearly 10K trained to date (236 in ACS)  CSF2 is working towards 1 MRT x Company requirement  MRT quality control is paramount  Conducting CSF2 Resilience Training at every level (officer, WO and enlisted)  Relooking what to teach at what level UNCLASS/FOUO 6 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

7. Building Strong Relationships Assertive Communication Active Constructive Responding/Effective Praise Building Character Strengths Identifying Strengths in Self and Others Using Character Strengths in Challenges Character Strengths in Leadership Building Mental Toughness Activating Events-Thoughts-Consequences Model Avoid Thinking Traps Detect Icebergs Problem Solving Put It In Perspective Mental Games Real Time Resilience Resilience Resilience Competencies Hunt The Good Stuff 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 Master Resilience Trainer (MRT) Modules UNCLASS/FOUO 7 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

8. CSF2-Performance and Resilience Enhancement Program (CSF2-PREP) Building Confidence Result Goal Setting Attention Control Integrating Imagery Energy Management Think in deliberate and effective ways to thrive in the face of adversity. Bring heightened sensory awareness to what's most relevant and keep it there to concentrate amidst distractions. Mentally rehearse successful performances so the mind and body are programmed to perform automatically and without hesitation. Effectively activate and restore energy to thrive under pressure. CSF2-PREP training results in Soldiers with the mental strength necessary to succeed throughout their entire lives. Define a dream that’s personally meaningful and develop concrete steps to create a path to success. Enhanced Performance (The 5 th CSF2 Pillar) Enhanced Performance (The 5 th CSF2 Pillar) UNCLASS/FOUO 8 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

9. CSF2-PREP Site Locations Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness – Performance and Resilience Enhanced Program UNCLASS/FOUO 9 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 USAR Posts (No CSF-PREP) JBMDL Fort McCoy, WI Camp Parks, CA Fort Hunter Liggett, CA

10. CSF2 PREP at Fort Benning 3 x increase 2.5 x increase 90% reduction BLUF: Fort Benning attributes CSF2-PREP’s mental strength development programs as increasing Soldier performance Is Enhanced Performance Training Making a Difference? UNCLASS/FOUO 10 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

11. 1 x MRT/Co + Resilience Tng BLUF: The aggregate resilience / psychological health of Soldiers that received resilience training was most pronounced in 18-24 year olds Tech Report #3: Effect of Resilience Training In Units 0 x MRT – No Resilience Tng 4 x BCT’s Is Resilience Training Making a Difference? UNCLASS/FOUO 11 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

12. Attribute or Skill Soldiers 18-24 Years Soldiers over 24 Years FriendshipXX Organizational TrustX Optimism*XX AdaptabilityXX Catastrophic ThinkingXX Positive CopingXX Social FitnessX Emotional FitnessX Character StrengthsX Effect size is 2-6 times greater in younger Soldiers What Improves with Resilience Training? UNCLASS/FOUO 12 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

13. Trained Untrained 85% 15% CSF2 Training of a Unit GAIs in the same Division 22% 78% Suicide GAI: Gesture, Attempt, Ideation How is CSF2 Doing? BLUF: 78% of GAI’s came from the 15% of Soldiers that did not conduct resilience training UNCLASS/FOUO 13 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118

14. UNCLASS/FOUODAMO-CSF14 GAT Correlation to Psychiatric Complaints after Deployment 20.1% 9.9% 6.9% 5.1% 3.9% 3.0% 2.9%2.4% 2.3% Emotional Fitness Percentiles by GAT % of Soldiers reporting 3-4 symptoms of PTSD via the PDHA % of Soldiers by composite GAT percentile that experienced depressive symptoms “more than half the days” or “nearly every day” 13.5% 9.0% 6.9% 5.8% 4.9% 4.4% 3.9% 4.1%4.0% 4.4%

15. UNCLASS/FOUODAMO-CSF15 Average Number of Visits to Primary Care Provider by Emotional Fitness Score (per deployment as reported on the PDHA) GAT Score and Healthcare Utilization 6.64% 4.76% 3.76% 3.72% Emotional Fitness Scores by GAT (on a scale from 0-5)

16.  “This program is long overdue! Building resilience, strong relationships, effective communication, and capitalizing on one’s strengths, and becoming aware of weaknesses will only result in a more sound, well-grounded, and healthier Soldier. This could only result in less psychological problems and less post-combat trauma and tragedy.” SFC  “I am almost at 22 years in the Army and this has by far been the most life-altering course that I’ve had in my 21 ½ years.” SFC  “MRT gives me the tools required for becoming a better, more effective leader. This is a program that the Army has needed for a long time. Once implemented, this program will make us a stronger military with even stronger families.” SFC  “I believe that if this training was put out seven years ago my relationship with family and Soldiers would have been better.” SSG  “The most valuable take away I received thus far is the re-energized feeling of hope. This class couldn’t have come at a better time for me and my family. I can’t wait to get home and use these tools in my family. It’s like a light bulb has been turned on in my head.” SSG  “It’s changed me and has become something I recognize is necessary to learn. My “bottle it up” attitude needs this, and I’m excited to let the fighting force know what I’ve found to be such a valuable set of skills.” SSG UNCLASS/FOUO 16 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 How is CSF2 Doing? NCO Testimonials How is CSF2 Doing? NCO Testimonials

17. Rename the Program: “Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness” (CSF2?) Establish MRT requirement down to company level Recommend a name change for the Spiritual Dimension Develop a metric to monitor compliance with MRT production and training across the force (SRU?) Continue Development of Comprehensive Resilience Modules (CRMs) and Tailor Some for Family Members and the Reserves Continue efforts to develop the Physical Dimension UNCLASS/FOUO 17 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 CSA Recent Decisions

18.  New EXORD  Development of the MRT Resource Center  Email Communications w/ MRTs  Quarterly Newsletter (1 st Release 1 August)  MRT Materials/Curriculum Updates  Spouse MRT Pilot  Tri-Signed SENDS by SECARMY, CSA, SMA  AUSA Roll-Out of CSF2 UNCLASS/FOUO 18 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 CSF2 Initiatives

19. Continue reporting on CSF2 evaluation of MRT vs. non-MRT units Leverage Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) program evaluation of MRT implementation Maintain CSF/WRAIR Research Steering Committee to ensure new evidence-based material in pipeline – Social Fitness Training for pre-deployment (Dr. Cacioppo) – Social Fitness Training for post-deployment (WRAIR) – Mindfulness Training (Dr. Jha) – CSF-PREP modules for pre- and post-deployment (Dr. Metzler/ WRAIR) – RESET training for post-deployment (Dr. Shipherd/WRAIR) UNCLASS/FOUO 19 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 Future Directions: Research

20. Make CSF2 a Commander’s Program –Not a medical or personnel program –Training program that requires command emphasis Pick the right NCO’s to be your MRT’s –Not the “best available” –Not a medical NCO program –E5 (by exception), E6, E7 with retainability and time remaining in service –Informal leader –Optimistic / Extrovert –Physically fit Empower your MRT(s) –Give them access – provide them your vision, intent and guidance for resilience training –Enable them to apply what they have learned in your unit –Allow the good ones to return to Penn for Level II, III and IV training –Stabilize them for 24 months in your unit (IAW MILPER msg 10-309 dtd 1 Dec 10) Inculcate resilience training in your unit –Training can be both formal and informal –Pre / During / Post deployment –Focus on junior leaders / Soldiers – most effective at the platoon size or smaller –Family members and DA civilians UNCLASS/FOUO 20 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 Leadership: Key to Implementation

21.  There are four ways people tend to respond when others share good news, talk about a positive experience, or describe a success.  Only one of the four styles leads to stronger relationships. Copyright  2011 by The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. UNCLASS/FOUO 21 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 Active Constructive Responding

22.  My Command received a Meritorious Unit Commendation.  My daughter got into her 1 st choice college.  We had a fantastic dinner last night with friends.  I got a promotion at work.  My first grandchild was born.  I broke 90 on the golf course. Copyright  2011 by The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. UNCLASS/FOUO 22 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 What Do We Mean By Positive Experience?

23. ConstructiveDestructive Passive Active Distracted, understated support Conversation fizzles out Ignoring the event Changing the conversation to another topic Squashing the event Negative focus Authentic interest Elaborates the experience Copyright  2011 by The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. UNCLASS/FOUO 23 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 Active Constructive Responding

24. ConstructiveDestructive Passive Active Conversation Killer Conversation Hijacker Joy ThiefJoy Multiplier Conversation Killer Conversation Hijacker Joy Thief Copyright  2011 by The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. UNCLASS/FOUO 24 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 Active Constructive Responding

25. ConstructiveDestructive Authentic interest, elaborates the experience; person feels validated and understood Squashing the event, brings conversation to a halt; person feels ashamed, embarrassed, guilty, or angry Quiet, understated support; conversation fizzles out; person feels unimportant, misunderstood, embarrassed, or guilty Ignoring the event; conversation never starts; person feels confused, guilty, or disappointed Passive Active  Four types of responding: There are four ways people tend to respond when others share a positive experience: AC, AD, PC, PD.  ACR: ACR conveys authentic interest, and the responder helps the sharer think more deeply about the positive experience.  Benefits of ACR: ACR leads to stronger relationships, belonging, well- being, and life satisfaction for both parties.  Effective Praise: Name the strategy, process, or behavior that led to the good outcome. It builds motivation, optimism, and winning streaks.  Connection: ACR and Praise build all of the MRT competencies; Connection is a primary target. Copyright  2011 by The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. UNCLASS/FOUO 25 21 Sep 12 LTC Wesley Bickford / G37 / (910) 570-9118 Resilience Skill – Active Constructive Response Resilience Skill – Active Constructive Response

26. UNCLASS/FOUO Ready – Relevant – Reliable – Responsive Wesley Bickford LTC, G-37, Individual Training Division U.S. Army Reserve Command September 21, 2012 26 Twice the Citizen - Army Strong! Twice the Citizen - Army Strong! COMPREHENSIVE SOLDIER & FAMILY FITNESS (CSF2) / RESILIENCY TRAINING UPDATECOMPREHENSIVE SOLDIER & FAMILY FITNESS (CSF2) / RESILIENCY TRAINING UPDATE