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A Leader's Guide to Trauma in the Unit - US Army War College

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<strong>Army</strong> <strong>War</strong> <strong>College</strong> Spouses’ Project<br />

WHY IT MATTERS<br />

DEATH OF A SOLDIER<br />

SUPPORT<br />

“Do small th<strong>in</strong>gs with great love.” --Mo<strong>the</strong>r Teresa<br />

Respond<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> a tragedy is an overwhelm<strong>in</strong>g experience. We will always feel <strong>in</strong>adequate<br />

when faced with <strong>the</strong> emotions and <strong>the</strong> enormity of what has happened. That is why we<br />

must th<strong>in</strong>k about it now. We must be as prepared as possible…we owe <strong>the</strong> soldier that<br />

much.<br />

MILITARY ROLE<br />

The Casualty Assistance Officer and <strong>the</strong> Chapla<strong>in</strong> are key <strong>in</strong>dividuals <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> command<br />

who help <strong>the</strong> family dur<strong>in</strong>g this time of trauma. The “green suiters” and community<br />

support agencies are tra<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>to</strong> handle <strong>the</strong>se situations. As spouses we should focus on <strong>the</strong><br />

practical, car<strong>in</strong>g means of support or <strong>the</strong> “heart side.”<br />

HOW TO APPROACH IT<br />

As a leader with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> unit, you will be expected <strong>to</strong> respond quickly and <strong>to</strong> know what <strong>to</strong><br />

do by <strong>the</strong> families <strong>in</strong> your FRG. Be<strong>in</strong>g prepared for a crisis is crucial <strong>to</strong> your be<strong>in</strong>g able<br />

<strong>to</strong> cope and <strong>to</strong> help o<strong>the</strong>rs cope with <strong>the</strong> unexpected. After <strong>the</strong> casualty occurs, it is <strong>to</strong>o<br />

late <strong>to</strong> prepare.<br />

The casualty notification process can and does differ <strong>in</strong> each case. Fac<strong>to</strong>rs that can impact<br />

<strong>the</strong> process are: time of day, location of <strong>the</strong> death and <strong>the</strong> location of <strong>the</strong> person <strong>to</strong> be<br />

notified. Each Division/Installation will have its own guidel<strong>in</strong>es for notification. It is<br />

important <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d out <strong>the</strong>se guidel<strong>in</strong>es before a deployment. Agree on what your role will<br />

be and when you will become <strong>in</strong>volved. Will it be m<strong>in</strong>utes or hours after <strong>the</strong> notification?<br />

Be realistic about your <strong>in</strong>volvement. If your unit susta<strong>in</strong>s more than one casualty, it is<br />

very important <strong>to</strong> be consistent with your support. Remember that nei<strong>the</strong>r you nor any<br />

spouse will be a part of <strong>the</strong> Notification Team.<br />

If you have agreed <strong>to</strong> help, you must be prepared <strong>to</strong> receive a phone call at any time.<br />

Therefore, you might want <strong>to</strong> th<strong>in</strong>k about <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g:<br />

• Who will take care of your children?<br />

• Who can help with transportation <strong>to</strong> and from school and after-school activities?<br />

• What <strong>in</strong>formation will you give your children and when? Often, as <strong>the</strong> leader, you<br />

may be so busy that your children may f<strong>in</strong>d out about <strong>the</strong> crisis from someone<br />

________________________________________________________________________<br />

12<br />

A Leader’s <strong>Guide</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>Trauma</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Unit</strong> April 2004

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