So in the last episode, we introduced the concept of trauma as residue and explored the life of an operator and how it can present obstacles to processing and cleaning off this residue that trauma leaves behind. Today we spend time exploring a series of questions designed to get you to think about things you can do to strengthen both internal and external protective factors - things that can better prepare you for managing trauma and processing all that residue. 

All of the information explored in these last two episodes have been based on data from the Mission Critical Team Institute's April 20, 2020 report on this topic (Dr. Preston B. Cline, Principal Investigator). I would like to thank Dr. Cline and the MCTI's insightful work in this area.

Thanks for listening. I hope you all find this episode helpful and educational!

Until next time,

-Doc

If you exist in military life - as an active duty member, a spouse, a family member, or a veteran - you have heard about, discussed, considered, and explored trauma. Operators don't like to talk about trauma because of the dreaded 'D' word that is often associated with it - Disorder. In this first of a two-part series, we begin to take a look at trauma from a different perspective, an "un-disordered" perspective if you will. Trauma can be conceptualized as residue - the stuff that remains after an experience. It is neither good nor bad. It is the way we examine and address this residue that determines healthy or unhealthy outcomes. But what is it about the nature of the operator and the life they live that encourages them to stuff the residue instead of clean it off? That is the "stuff" of this episode. I hope this episode helps operators  "put a name to the ghosts that walk with them," and helps loved ones understand them more and have more compassion for them.

Thanks for listening. I hope you all find this episode helpful and educational! 

Until next time,

-Doc

Grief is universal. We all experience it. Whether is it grief over the loss of a loved one, an injury, the end of a relationship, changing locations/schools/lives through a PCS, or going from an operational to non-operational position, grieving over loss is part of the human condition. Grief is unique - it is very personal and doesn't follow a linear progression. Still, though not everyone experiences grief in the same way, there are some commonalities in our experience - stages that we progress through as we cope with loss or trauma. In today's episode, we talk about the Seven Stages of Grief, a general framework of the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions we have from loss to acceptance and growth. 

Thanks for listening. I hope you all find this episode helpful and educational! 

Until next time,

-Doc

Operators live a constant balance - improving physical fitness and being physically broken. You know a bunch of you just "Ranger through" the pain which probably just makes the damage to your body worse or more permanent. What can you do to continue to work on physical fitness and preparedness while working through injury? I have no clue, but I know who does. In this episode I am joined by Nate Borget certified athletic trainer for the 17 Special Tactics Squadron. I sit back and let Nate take over and just share not only the types of injuries you will face at some point, but how - both generally and specifically - you can work to maintain a workout routine to rehab the injury as well as continue physical fitness. You know, the Gain Train you guys love so much! 

The knowledge we get from Nate not only helps our operators but is completely applicable to anyone listening to this who has that familiar struggle of maintaining a consistent exercise plan and not losing gains made while rehabilitating an injury. 

I hope you all find this episode helpful and educational! Until next time!

-Doc

So what happens when it's time to stop Chasing the Dragon? Operators are good at going non-stop in training, TDY, and deployment, crushing the job at every level. But I think their biggest risk comes when that time comes to move into civilian life - whether it be via separation or retirement. Too often your identity is so wrapped up in being an operator that you neglect the identity you will take with you the rest of your life - husband, father, veteran (aka civilian). How do you manage this transition? How do you plan for the transition to make it as easy as possible, and how do you work to start making that identity shift from Captain America to Steve Rogers?

In this episode, I get to spend a long time talking to Capt. Jack Gouge. I've known Jack for the past two years as the Detachment Commander for Flight 2 of the 17 STS, based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Jack is currently in the process of separating from active duty and transitioning back to civilian life. By all indications he has done it well, organizing humanitarian efforts in his community and through international mission organizations, and recently beginning a position as a Project Manager for Amazon in Seattle, WA. Jack gives us great insight into the nuts and bolts of the separation process to set yourself up for success, but also things you can do to start making that identity shift from Special Operator to successful and adjusted civilian.

I hope this episode finds you all well and gives you good information on how you can stay healthy and fit when the pursuit of the Dragon is at its end for you...

If you want to read more about Jack's recent humanitarian efforts, see the article written about his efforts at the 24 Special Operations Wing website here: https://www.airforcespecialtactics.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2191386/special-tactics-airman-leads-outreach-programs-for-covid-19-relief/

In today's episode, we start off by talking about the psychology of combat and the mental health impacts that can occur from combat and deployment. Following that, we explore the nature of resilience and ways to recognize and strengthen it in ourselves so we can not only survive but thrive in stress and hardship.  I hope you find this episode informative and supportive. I would love to hear your thoughts. Leave me a comment or hit us up on twitter (@Reinforce_17). Until next time, stay safe out there!

So why would you spend hours a week in the gym exercising to build muscle, increase speed, and equip yourself better physically to do the job, but not spend time exercising your brain as well? Mindfulness has been increasingly shown to have huge benefits cognitively, emotionally, and physically, not only with general populations but specifically with military populations as well. In this episode, we explore what mindfulness is, why you need to cultivate it, how it physically changes your brain to be more mentally fit, and it's benefits. We end the episode with a brief mindfulness breathing exercise. 

Need to practice on the go? There are tons of mindfulness apps in the mobile market, and I will mention a few here to get you started:

Both of these are great apps but are subscription-based. If you are looking for good free options, check these out:

You should know that the last one mentioned is actually developed by the Veterans Administration and is designed specifically for Veterans and Service Members. Mindfulness: It's not just for monks anymore... ;-)

-Doc McKay

Welcome to Episode 02 of Reinforce Radio, a podcast dedicated to resiliency and support of the men and women of special tactics warfare and their families. In this episode, Doc McKay spends some time exploring the characteristics in our operators that are adaptive when downrange, but maladaptive in the family unit at home. Navigating these different environments can lead to significant stressors and conflicts if not handled well, and Doc explores some ways to ease the transition back home to family. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to the first episode of Reinforce Radio, a podcast dedicated to resiliency and support of the men and women of special tactics warfare and their families. In this episode, Doc McKay spends some time exploring the uncertainty of life we are living in and explores 11 ways you can better manage it to come out stronger on the other side. Stay tuned to future episodes with Doc McKay, other members of your resiliency team, and maybe some special guests as we stay committed to keeping you healthy, fit, and in the fight.  Thanks for listening!