When the smoke clears

Photo By Spc. Abigail Graham | U.S. Army Spc. Kelly Nina, 254th Medical Brigade (Combat Stress Unit) explains the daily tasks to Spc. Miguel Aldeguer during STRIKE BACK 19 at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, June 12, 2019. STRIKE BACK 19 is a multinational exercise hosted by the Bulgarian Armed Forces from June 6-20, 2019. STRIKE BACK 19 is designed to increase capabilities and interoperabilities with Bulgarian, Albanian, Greek, North Macedonian and U.S. Troops. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Abigail Graham)  

NOVO SELO, BULGARIA

06.11.2019

Story by Spc. Abigail Graham 

126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

After the battle is done, the dust settles and the smoke clears, some may ask who is left? What pieces need to be picked up and put back together that you can’t see? Military conflicts around the world continue to persist, requiring a comprehensive approach to managing behavioral health issues in military healthcare.

“We are an expeditionary behavioral health unit that offers different classes to learn coping skills that will help Soldiers get back in the fight,” says U.S. Army Sgt. Nicolas Bohorquez, a behavioral health specialist with the 254th Medical Detachment.

The goal of the Combat Operational Stress Unit is to optimize mission performance, conserve the fighting strength and prevent or minimize adverse effects of trauma in Soldiers and their physical, psychological, intellectual and social health.

Fortunately for the service members participating in Saber Guardian 19, the Combat Operational Stress Unit is ready to provide support.

“In this exercise, working with our allies and partners is huge,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Baller of the 30th Medical Command, “We get to work with U.S. Army active, National Guard and Reserve Soldiers as well as the Bulgarian, Romanian and U.K. forces during a whole joint and combined aspect of an operation, which is a training opportunity that you don’t get in the United States.”

The 254th Medical Detachment, Combat Operational Stress Unit, focuses on deployed military personnel, who are frequently exposed to trauma, physiological and emotional stresses. These factors are known to be high risk for developing behavioral health disorders, including combat stress reactions and post-traumatic stress disorder.

“We have to get better at understanding how people have limitations and they need to work on them. As an Army we are strong, but sometimes we got to take that knee to figure out what can we work on to get stronger.” Lt. Col. Jeff Bass, commander of the 254th Medical Detachment.

• Date Taken: 06.11.2019
• Date Posted: 06.12.2019 08:44
• Story ID: 326847
• Location: NOVO SELO, BG