Combat and Operational Stress

Abstract

Combat and operational stress reactions are physical, emotional, cognitive, and/or behavioral reactions of service members in the wake of exposure to stressful events in combat or military operations. Service members who experience high levels of combat exposure, deploy frequently or for lengthy periods of time, or have preexisting mental health conditions are more prone to reactions, while those who perceive a high quality of leadership, have access to mental health care, and have undergone pre-deployment training and screening exhibit some protection to reactions. Combat and operational stress reactions best respond to early interventions and treatments that follow the principles of proximity, immediacy, expectancy, and simplicity. However, some symptoms may persist and require additional treatment. Successful treatment of combat and operational stress reactions is not known to prevent the later development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the presence of a reaction is associated with a higher likelihood to develop PTSD.