Resilience Training: Helping Your Young Service Member Thrive in the Military

wellness support
Written By Hilari Luck

Resilience is an essential soft skill for every member of the military. Not only do service members need to be physically resilient to withstand the physical toll of military life, but they must also be mentally and emotionally resilient to handle the stress, anxiety, and challenges that come with serving in the armed forces. Of these two types of resilience, physical resilience is the easier one to build in young service members. Emotional and mental resilience, however, requires specialized training to build. This is where resilience training comes in.

What is Resilience Training

Master Resilience Training (MRT) was launched in 2009 as part of the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2) program. The program was designed to help soldiers, their families, and Army units develop resilience and improve overall well-being. CSF2 focuses on both physical and mental fitness, ensuring that soldiers are prepared to handle the unique stresses of military life.

The purpose of this training is to equip service members with the necessary skills required to handle the unique mental and physical strain associated with military life. This training typically helps build service members in the following key competencies:

  • Self-awareness – Understanding personal thoughts and emotions.

  • Self-Regulation – Managing emotions and reactions to stress.

  • Optimism – Maintaining a positive outlook and confidence.

  • Mental Agility – Thinking flexibly and adapting to challenges.

  • Strengths of Character – Identifying personal strengths and using them.

  • Connection – Building strong relationships for support.

In addition, your young service member will learn 14 resilience skills that help with goal-setting, problem-solving, emotional control, and effective communication, all of which are geared toward helping them thrive in high-pressure situations.

Helping Your Young Service Member Through the Process

Research shows that resilience is influenced by not just individual traits, but also external influences like family, unit, and community-level factors. Hence, as a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your child’s resilience journey. While the military provides training, your encouragement and understanding can make a big difference. Here are some key ways you can support your young service member and help build their resilience:

Encourage Positive Thinking

Resilient individuals tend to focus on positive outcomes. Help your child develop this mindset by encouraging them to reframe challenges, find meaning in difficult situations, and set achievable goals.

Strengthen Emotional Bonds

Family support is essential. Stay connected with your child through calls, letters, or video chats. Let them know they are loved and supported, even from afar.

Promote Communication and Support

Encourage open conversations about their experiences. If they are struggling, remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Teach Coping Strategies

Help them develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and problem-solving techniques.

Conclusion

Resilience training is a powerful tool that helps young service members navigate the challenges of military life so that they can handle stress, setbacks, and adversity more effectively. As a parent, your support is critical. By fostering strong family bonds, open communication, and a positive mindset, you can further reinforce their resilience. Sure, military life is demanding, but with the right skills and support, your child can thrive, grow, and succeed.

Useful Resources

Hilari Luck
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