Military Fitness: The Importance of Psychological Training
Summary
In this article, we discuss the importance of psychological fitness in military training. While physical fitness has always been a crucial component of military training, psychological training has often been overlooked. We explore how military psychologists teach new recruits to overcome their fears and turn their injuries into growth experiences.
Table of Contents
- The Psychology of a New Recruit
- Overcoming Fears: The Gas Chamber Example
- The Role of Drill Sergeants in Psychological Training
The Psychology of a New Recruit
As a urologist turned military psychologist, I have had the opportunity to talk to hundreds, if not thousands, of new recruits. One of the most important aspects of military training is psychological fitness. We don’t start by teaching new recruits how to turn their injuries into growth experiences. Instead, we focus on teaching them how to communicate better, make better decisions, and look at situations realistically instead of catastrophically.
Overcoming Fears: The Gas Chamber Example
One example of how we teach new recruits to overcome their fears is through the gas chamber exercise. Every new recruit must successfully go through the gas chamber before they can graduate. In the past, drill sergeants would scream at recruits who were paralyzed with fear. However, we have learned that applying evidence to unreasoning fears is much more effective than just shouting at someone.
For example, when a recruit is afraid to enter the gas chamber, we ask them why. They might say that they are afraid of dying, not getting their mask on in time, or being locked in. We then provide evidence that contradicts their fears. We tell them that there is no lock on the door, they have successfully put on their mask in the past, and the gas is not lethal.
The Role of Drill Sergeants in Psychological Training
Drill sergeants play a crucial role in psychological training. In the past, drill sergeants were portrayed in movies as shouting and berating recruits. However, this approach is no longer effective. Today, every drill sergeant goes through the master resilience training program after graduating from drill sergeant school. This program teaches them how to communicate effectively and help recruits overcome their fears in a kind and gentle manner.
In conclusion, psychological fitness is just as important as physical fitness in military training. By teaching new recruits how to overcome their fears and turn injuries into growth experiences, we are creating stronger, more resilient soldiers who are better equipped to handle the challenges of military life.
