CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Comprehensive Soldier Fitness encompasses physical, emotional, social, family and spiritual aspects to define the complete health of soldiers.
The CSF program is a structured, long-term assessment and development program that is intended to build resilience while enhancing the performance of every soldier, family member and Army civilian.
“CSF was established to increase the fitness and resilience of soldiers and their family members,” said Master Sgt. Linda V. Ragland, 113th Sustainment Brigade, human resources branch non-commissioned officer in charge.
Third Army provided the opportunity for Camp Arifjan service members and civilians to participate in two awareness and prevention programs: “Rum and Vodka,” an alcohol and substance abuse prevention program; and “Above the Call; Beyond the Duty,” a suicide prevention and awareness program.
Both programs used theatre as a catalyst for thought and understanding of CSF and everyday issues soldiers may face.
The play was presented by the social-media-impact-group Outside the Wire, as an opportunity to open up lines of communication with other service members about alcoholism and substance abuse.
“Outside the Wire uses theatre and other media to address pressing public health and social justice issues,” said Phyllis Kauffman, producing director for “Rum and Vodka,” a dramatic reading from Conor McPherson’s one-man play, tells the story of a young man that is struggling with alcohol addiction. The story follows a 24-year-old Irish man on a three-day drinking binge that results in him losing his job, cheating on his wife and coming close to destroying his family.
The dramatic reading was performed by award winning actor Brian F. O’Bryne, who is most known for his role in the award winning movie “Million Dollar Baby.”
“The objective of the ‘Rum and Vodka’ program is to expose service members to valuable training on substance abuse and awareness,” said Capt. Dae Kim, Army Central Command G1. “Hopefully it encourages service members to stop and truly become aware of the symptoms and warning signs of substance abuse.”
Kauffman said, she hopes they are able to create a safe environment for an open and honest conversation in the community about substance abuse.
“This is a human issue; we are all touched by it,” said Bran Doerries, artistic director for “Rum and Vodka.” “Alcoholism transcends culture, nationality, religion, age and whether you are in uniform or not.”
“Above the Call; Beyond the Duty’ is a one-man play featuring James McEachin as the “Old Soldier.” The play addresses the increasing problem of suicide in today’s military. The story is a journey through the afterlife where the “Old Soldier” is reunited with his grandfather. The two men travel together facing lasting questions that have troubled them through life.
“I hope I was able to impart some slice of information that would cause a person who was thinking about suicide to have faith in life,” said McEachin.
The one-man play looks into some of the troubling feelings soldiers may have as they carry out their duties.
“Above the Call; Beyond the Duty” encourages service members to become aware of symptoms and warning signs surrounding possible suicide attempts,” said Kim.
Approximately 300 service members attended the two programs that supported the social, emotional and family pillars of the CSF program.
Awareness and prevention programs will allow Third Army soldiers and civilians to communicate for success.