FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, Iraq — To help provide advocacy for Soldiers under stress at Forward Operating Base Warrior, a non-commissioned officer with the 212th Combat Stress Control Medical Detachment, provides Behavioral Health Advocate Training for Soldiers.
This class is held to educate and train Soldiers to become a responder to combat stress, according to Sgt. Sarah Maze, a mental health specialist with the 212th CSC.
After the BHAT a Soldier will be able to walk up to their fellow Soldier, ask them if they are ok and know how to respond to their answer in the correct way.
During the BHAT, Soldier's learn to help others under stress find their inner strength to face their fears, known as the "battlemind," according to Sgt. Maze.
They also learn the signs of combat/operational stress, relaxation techniques and different types of referral for combat stress.
It is important that not only medical specialists, non-commissioned officers and chaplains receive this training but also the junior-enlisted Soldiers.
The junior-enlisted Soldiers that receive this training see their battle buddies every day, something that CSC and chaplains cannot do, they know when something is different about a fellow Soldier immediately, according to Sgt. Maze.
Studies have also shown a Soldier is more likely to talk to their battle buddy about a problem they are facing first, rather than going to CSC, because they feel more comfortable.
Since the BHAT is being held the Ready First Combat Team will have Soldiers in each unit trained to deal with combat stress situations and CSC can make sure Soldiers are receiving the help that they need.
FOB Warrior's Combat Stress located at the One Stop is open Mon. — Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. — Sun. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and can be reached by DSN at 444-2305.