Combat Operational Stress Control in Iraq: Lessons Learned During Operation Iraqi Freedom

Abstract

The current clinical operations of Combat Stress Control (CSC) teams deployed to Iraq can be informed by the lessons of past deployments and recent empirical research. However, there are few published lessons from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) itself. Two deployed psychologists review 4 lessons learned in the context of deployment in support of OIF III. Specifically, we review the need for CSC providers to anticipate providing commanders rationales for not evacuating some soldiers. Additional lessons include the CSC contributions made by flexible personnel placement, the role of clinical needs assessment, and the ongoing need to educate isolated personnel about CSC mobility. It is hoped that by sharing these lessons, CSCs may continue their history of effective preventive and clinical services within operational environments.