A Ready and Resilient Force: Applying Lessons from US Military Resilience Programs to the United States Agency for International Development
Abstract
The United States military has implemented programs to help service members prepare for and healthfully cope with stress and trauma. Aid workers who serve in the national security apparatus of the United States, chiefly the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), also face stress and trauma. While the military has taken steps to implement resilience programs across branches of service, USAID has not similarly instituted resilience programming, but made resources available upon request. This paper examines the behaviors that contribute to resilience, the evidence and literature surrounding those behaviors, and evaluates the ways in which the US Army and Marine Corps have tried to inculcate resilience skills among service members. It then describes the similar threats and stressors that aid workers face and draws parallels between civilian and military service. This paper concludes with recommendations for USAID to consider in preparing the workforce to cope with the common stresses and potential trauma that employees face in service of US national security goals.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 15, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1177915
Entities
People
- Erin N. Wroblewski
Organizations
- Marine Corps University