The Army Training System - AskTOP

• when the mental disorder indicates a degree of impairment otherwise suggestingunsuitability for retention in military service, or• in the case of an adjustment disorder of a military member during the member’s initial180 days of military service, or• military necessity to ensure the safety and security of military personnel, familymembers, or government property.Therefore, mental health professionals will inform the responsible unit commander when one oftheir soldiers or civilians is at an elevated risk for suicide, or at risk for other dangerousbehavior, or if the commander referred the individual. Otherwise, the individual’s privacy takespriority and the Army will respect it.4-4. Teach Positive Life Coping Skills DevelopmentPrevention also includes developing the soldier and civilian’s mental resiliency, emphasizingavoiding premature stress-inducing decisions (i.e., as getting married too young, or starting afamily). It is important for all leaders to recognize that mental wellness is a component of thetriad of overall individual fitness (physical and spiritual being the other two).Positive life coping skills training may include alcohol abuse avoidance, financial management,stress and anger reduction, conflict management, and parenting and family life skills such as theBuilding Strong and Ready Families (BSRF) seminar originated within the 25 th Infantry Division.BSRF offers married couples an opportunity to strengthen their relationship through variousinstruction and exercises. The seminar was targeted for those newly married couples who wereinterested in improving their communication skills and generally being better equipped to handlethe stresses of married life, including child rearing. Programs such as BSRF are a greatexample of how to develop life-coping skills and will indirectly have a positive impact onreducing suicidal behavior.SH-2-21