New school at Fort Jackson to aid in fighting stress

New school at Jackson to aid in fighting stress

By Susanne M. Schafer - The Associated Press
Posted : Sunday Apr 4, 2010 12:00:54 EDT

FORT JACKSON, S.C. — Army officials are hoping to better arm soldiers to fight the stress that comes from repeated deployment to war zones in an effort to stem record suicide rates.

The military branch on Monday plans to officially open a new school aimed at teaching soldiers how to think positively to help deal with emotional, social and psychological stress. The work being done at Fort Jackson, the Army’s largest training base, has been offered in some trial courses already.

“It helps you deal with the bruises, the bumps, ways to cope with adversity,” said Staff Sgt. Jose Sixtos, a 29-year-old from Tanasket, Wash., who has served for nine years. “It gives you some better models, some ways to cope with the grim stuff in your life.”

The school will train sergeants and young officers who mentor other soldiers during training and deployments. Those superiors will work with soldiers informally, passing on the tips and techniques they learn in the classroom, participants said.
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New school at Jackson to aid in fighting stress