Military Leadership and Resilience

Abstract

AbstractMilitary service exposes personnel to a variety of stressors and potentially traumatic events, ranging from combat through to common occupational demands found in any job. Military personnel frequently face demands such as extended time away from family and friends, exposure to ambiguous and potentially lethal situations, restrictions on personal freedoms, increased legal powers from supervisors, and the constant need to maintain “operational readiness.” The stressors faced during military service can have significant repercussions on operational effectiveness and force sustainment. How personnel respond to these demands while maintaining effective performance over time is often considered to be a matter of resilience. Resilience involves the ability to bounce back with minimal impact from adversity. Military leaders at all levels have become increasingly concerned about how the resilience of their personnel might impact or enhance operational capability. Commanders are increasingly recognizing the important roles leadership and organizational support play in the development of resilience.This chapter aims to provide a broad overview of some of the research, concepts, and practices being employed by modern militaries to foster resilience. It examines what is meant by resilience, then looks at how different concepts have been used at both individual and organizational levels to encourage greater resilience among military personnel. Overall, the development of resilience is a multifaceted process which leaders need to be aware of if they are to get the best out of their personnel. The promotion of adaptive “resilient” behaviors is particularly important in high-performance/high-stress organizations such as the military.