U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs
Units and organizations throughout the Army in Europe will be conducting ready and resilient activities to reduce risky behaviors, increase resiliency, remove stigma from seeking help and encourage early intervention during a ready and resilient suicide prevention stand-down Sept. 24-26.
“We have to work hard to change the culture and we can do it,” said USAREUR Commanding General Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell. “It is going to take a lot of work and engaged leaders working everyday with their Soldiers and with their families, knowing their Soldiers and families, building resiliency. That will be the key to making sure that we can be ‘Strong Soldiers.'”
The USAREUR theme for the 2013 ready and resilient suicide prevention stand-down is “Together, Ready and Resilient.”
As part of the effort, USAREUR units will conduct a number of events:
Brigade, battalion and company commanders will conduct “terrain walks” to familiarize themselves with risk reduction support activities in their communities, such as behavioral health facilities, wellness centers, Army Community Service centers, family advocacy centers, and chaplain family life centers.
Company commanders will follow up with their junior leaders to ensure that they are also aware of the resources available in their community.
Commanders and leaders will conduct small group discussions with their Soldiers to ensure they are aware of risk and protective factors, and of resources available to build resilience and facilitate intervention. Family members will be encouraged to attend these small group discussions.
All Soldiers will complete the Army Soldier and Leader Risk Reduction Tool.
Units will conduct community and family events to ensure that all members of the Army family (Soldiers, Families and civilians) are aware of the resources available in their communities to build resilience and provide support.
“The more the leader knows about the Soldier, the more that they can help them and get them into the right agencies or get the right resources to help them overcome the setbacks in their lives,” said Command Sgt. Maj. David S. Davenport Sr., the USAREUR command sergeant major.
In 2013, Soldiers, civilians and family members assigned to USAREUR and its subordinate units displayed over 200 suicidal behaviors to include ideations, gestures and attempts.
The Army defines “resilience” as the ability to grow and thrive in the face of challenges and bounce back from adversity. The ready and resilient campaign demonstrates the Army’s commitment to building resiliency, strengthening Army professionals and reducing risk behaviors among Soldiers, civilians and their families. The Army will focus on reducing risky behaviors and increasing resiliency the entire month of September.
For more information about resiliency, risk reduction and suicide prevention, including crisis hotline telephone numbers (the Army One-Source number for Europe is 00-800-464-81077), follow this link.
