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Pre-Deployment Resilience Training for Spouses/Couples
15 JUL 2011
Supersedes Pre-Deployment Resilience Training for Spouses/Couples, 21 APR 2011.
Provided to Spouses and Couples prior to the deployment; this resilience training module discusses the nature of military life, independence and resilience, some of what the Soldiers may experience “downrange,” as well as the Spouse’s deployment experience at home during the deployment. This resilience training module emphasizes skills and skill development that are important during military separations to keep the Family strong. It discusses potential challenges and changes that are likely to occur as well as focuses on some things Spouses and Soldiers can do to reduce/eliminate deployment-related concerns common to military life. (2 hours)

Post-Deployment Resilience Training for Spouses/Couples
15 JUL 2011
Supersedes Post-Deployment Resilience Training for Spouses/Couples, 21 APR 2011.
Provided to Spouses and Couples (Soldier may be present) during post-deployment to ease reunion and reintegration. As with the Pre-Deployment Resilience Training for Spouses/Couples, this resilience training module discusses independence and resilience, the elements of combat and other high-risk deployments and some potential pitfalls that may impact the post-deployment transition and reintegration back home. It also provides lessons learned by other Family members that may be helpful in avoiding conflicts as well as some indicators that Spouses or Soldiers may need some help during the transitioning period.
(2 hours)

Preparation Spouse Resilience Training
16 FEB 2012
New Initiative
Preparation Resilience Training for Spouses/Couples consists of five (5) two-hour training modules. The purpose of these modules is to provide family members with an understanding of six resilience competencies and the skills to build them. The six competencies are Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Optimism, Mental Agility, Strengths of Character, and Connection. Using the skills will assist families overcome challenges, communicate effectively, and build lasting relationships.

This training is designed to be presented in a discussion (instructor facilitated) format by instructors who have completed the Master Resilience Trainer (MRT) course.

Preparation Resilience Training for Spouses (Module One)
Module One examines the concept of resilience, provides an overview of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program, and introduces two resilience skills:  Activating Event – Thoughts – Consequences (ATC) and Hunt the Good Stuff.  These skills build Optimism and Self-Awareness. (2.0 Hours)

Preparation Resilience Training for Spouses (Module Two)
Module Two builds on the previous lessons and introduces additional skills: Avoid Thinking Traps, Detect Icebergs and Energy Management. Avoid Thinking Traps enhances Mental Agility by enabling individuals to identify and correct counterproductive patterns in thinking. Detect Icebergs helps to build Self-Awareness and facilitates greater control of emotions by identifying deeply held beliefs and values. Energy Management helps to build Self-Regulation, which facilitates critical thinking and optimal performance. (2.0 Hours)

Preparation Resilience Training for Spouses (Module Three)
Module Three provides students with three additional resilience skills: Problem Solving, Put It In Perspective and Real-Time Resilience. Problem Solving is a tool specifically designed for complex, interpersonal, recurrent problems. It builds Mental Agility and helps overcome the confirmation bias. Put It In Perspective (PIIP) builds Optimism, stops catastrophizing and reduces anxiety. Real-Time Resilience also builds Optimism and is used to deal with counterproductive thinking in time-critical situations. (2.0 Hours)

Preparation Resilience Training for Spouses (Module Four)
Module Four enables students to identify their Character Strengths and the strengths of others.  Capitalizing on Character Strengths facilitates optimal performance and builds engagement.  Students will also learn to use Active Constructive Responding (ACR) to build Connection and Effective Praise to build Optimism and motivation in others. (2.0 Hours)

Preparation Resilience Training for Spouses (Module Five)
Module Five introduces the last resilience skill, Effective Communication, and provides a Comprehensive Review of all the skills. Effective Communication helps students solve problems and build Connection with others by remaining confident, clear, and controlled. The review offers practical examples of how all the skills may be used in daily life. (2.0 Hours)

Related Links:

• Tips for Parents Supporting the Child Whose Military Parent is Deploying
• How to Prepare our Children and Stay Involved in Their Education During Deployment
• The Military Child in Transition and Deployment - Parents' Toolkit
• Separations Happen - Activity Booklet for Ages 13-15
• Helping Children Cope with the Challenges of War and Terrorism
• Helping Children Cope During Deployment
• Sesame Street - Talk, Listen, Connect
• Youth Coping With Military Deployment
• Family Matters - The Stages of Deployment
• Sesame Street Video: Deployments: Creating Connections