SURFLANT Revamps Physical Readiness Program

Posted on February 14, 2013 by | 2 Comments

The physical readiness program is not about just meeting standards; it’s about building a culture of fitness that will “enhance a member’s ability to complete tasks that support the command’s mission,” said  Lt. Cmdr. Austin Latour, an exercise physiologist with the Navy Physical Readiness Office.

Surface Forces Atlantic (SURFLANT) made a decision to go beyond the letter of the OPNAVINST 6110.1J instruction to encompass the spirit of it. The instruction requires commands to “develop and implement a Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) that meets the needs of all personnel striving for improved fitness, not simply those who do not meet standards”.

“The emphasis on fitness rather than simply passing a test is an exciting change for our entire Navy,” Latour continued.  “We know regular exercise helps reduce stress but this new approach to expand the FEP to appeal to everyone will also make it easier to expand our sense of community to our civilians and our families.

For Yeoman 2nd Class Gary Sanders, assistant command fitness leader, expanding the FEP in ways “…that are challenging and fun are what make this program unique.”  The FEP is for everyone interested in getting or staying in shape. Command physical training (PT) takes place Monday through Friday from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Naval Support Activity Headquarters base gym. The workouts are open to any member of the command, civilian and military alike.

For one, a civilian paralegal, joining Sailors in exercise routine resulted in more than just getting a good work-out; it included her in another part of the Navy community in which she works. She said, “I didn’t feel out of place at all. The Sailors made me feel like I was a part of the team! They motivated me. I loved the morale and I got an excellent work out. What more can you ask for?”

“While the instruction doesn’t change many of the current PT requirements”, said Latour, “it’s the philosophical shift that promotes fitness and includes everyone in that goal that will make our Navy stronger and more fit.”

For more information about the new OPNAVINST 6110.1J, read the recent Navy News Stand Story or the full instruction posted on the Navy Physical Readiness web site.

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Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk on PTS

Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk isn’t just listening to the fleet; he’s at wovan buskirk and All Hands Updaterk addressing their concerns.
In a recent Daily News Update, VADM Buskirk said he is working to “remove some of the angst Sailors are expressing” to him regarding Perform to Serve (PTS).

“They want improvements to PTS so they can know sooner in the cycle about whether they have a quota or not…,” Van Buskirk said. “They want to know if they have an opportunity to stay in the service, in the reserves. And I think we owe that to them.”

Identifying stressors and finding ways to mitigate them is the essence of Operational Stress Control. Helping Sailors know what to expect and giving them more time to control their futures are ways to build resilience. There are changes coming to PTS but it is here to stay.

VADM Buskirk said, “I think the great thing about perform to serve is the flexibility that the program offers us. I think it is a sound program and a very good program and the one that we’re going to continue to execute …”

For more information on PTS go to npc.navy.mil or see your command career counselor.

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Posted on February 12, 2013 by in Navy Leadership, Uncategorized

Making Veteran’s Crisis Line Better: Continuous Process Improvement

Posted on February 8, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Identifying challenges and finding solutions can be a challenge in itself—particularly when it comes to finding ways to better serve our service members and veterans. The Navy’s Operational Stress Control Program and our Suicide Prevention Programs are no different. We are always looking for ways to help you navigate stress.

Countless Sailors and service members have reached out to the Veteran’s Crisis Line for lifesaving help during stress emergencies. They call when life’s challenges become overwhelming, or just to have someone who will listen or help them connect with other resources.

1-800-273-TALK Option 1 was developed by the Veterans Administration and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to provide Active Duty and Reserve servicemembers and veterans with tailored and immediate care. It’s a trusted resource promoted by all Navy organizations (including our program). With servicemembers noting recent capacity setbacks, the Veterans Administration has reiterated  its commitment to help our service members in a news release reporting suicide data among veterans. 

“The mental health and well-being of our courageous men and women who have served the nation is the highest priority for VA, and even one suicide is one too many,” Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki said. “We have more work to do and we will use this data to continue to strengthen our suicide prevention efforts and ensure all veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve.”

With an announced 50% increase in trained staff, the VA hopes to better serve veterans in need by ensuring that all callers receive the attention they deserve.

For 24/7 assistance, call the Veterans’ Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), option 1 or go to www.veteranscrisisline.net

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Posted in Resources, Uncategorized

Unconditional Trust

Posted on January 15, 2013 by | Leave a comment

by Captain Kurt Scott

When it comes to building resilience, the idea of Trust doesn’t usually come to mind. We don’t always appreciate its value because we often take it for granted.
In his “Kicking Off 2013” blog post, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert talks about how incredibly important trust is to life in the Navy. Whether it’s the trust pilots have in their crew chiefs for the condition of their aircraft or confidence submariners have in their shipmates when rigging for a dive – unconditional trust in each other – from damage control to normal operations – is the key for a successful Navy. We can’t do it alone.

Trust is more than just having confidence in yourself and your co-workers abilities; it’s about knowing your shipmates and leaders have your best interest at heart. Trust is built through experience and includes certain expectations (for example, that the parachute will open, the equipment will function, medical services will be there in times of need, family will be supportive, etc.). Trust plays a critical role in withstanding adversity and extends beyond individual relationships. Trust provides a positive expectation from the organization and systems in which we operate and includes integrity, dependability, and competence on the part of leaders and larger organizations.

Trust is also a key to increasing our psychological health. If a shipmate trusts you, it increases his or her willingness to confide in you or to reach out to you. Let them know you care and they will trust you to help them recognize and address stress reactions before they become stress injuries.
Trust, one of the Principles of Resilience and Stress Control (click here to get the pdf)

Captain Kurt Scott is the director of the Navy’s Behavioral Health Programs, Millington, Tenn.

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Posted in Resilience, Uncategorized

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VA Establishes “Coaching into Care” to Help you Help Your Veteran

According to the Navy’s 2012 Behavioral Health Quick Poll, talking to a friend or family member is an incredibly important ‘stress coping method’ for both officers and enlisted members.coaching into care

Knowing what to say and do isn’t always easy so the VA has established a confidential telephone service for friends and families of veterans.  Coaching into Care is a free and confidential coaching service to help callers discover new ways to talk with their Veteran about their concerns and about treatment options. Before you call, consider reading Tips for Encouraging Your Loved One to Access Mental Health Services on the Defense Centers of Excellence blog

Close friends and family members are often the only ones to recognize if a Sailor or family member is having trouble navigating the everyday or extraordinary stress of military life. Early intervention works but Sailors need to know where to go for the appropriate help.

Military members trust the people closest to them. Learn what to say and where to get help BEFORE you need it.

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Posted on January 11, 2013 by in Tools, Uncategorized