WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Adapting to the challenges of everyday life and bouncing back from difficult situations takes on a whole different meaning when applied to military life – even more so for Reserve Airmen balancing civilian jobs and military readiness requirements.
To help address these unique challenges, the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Wing brought in its first resiliency integrator first sergeant earlier this year to ensure Airmen have access to resources and leaders know where to go when situations arise. Master Sgt. RaShawn Williams, wing resiliency integrator first sergeant, said Airmen not only have access to him during unit training assembly (UTA) weekends, but also during off-duty time.
“Our Reserve members are in uniform during drill weekends, but they’re Airmen 365, so our roles serve as a bridge between their civilian and military lives,” Williams said. “I’m one part of the wing’s resiliency team members focused primarily on outreach and connecting resources to strengthen the capabilities of our unit commanders and first sergeants to ensure Airmen get the help they may need.”
The addition of full-time resiliency Integrator first sergeants across the Air Force was part of Air Force Reserve Command’s efforts to promote resiliency and increase resources available to Reserve members. In addition to this role, the wing’s resiliency team is also made up of the director of psychological health, Reserve chaplain team, the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, and Key Support Program liaisons.
“We have 1,100 personnel in units across seven states – that’s seven installations, each with their own unique set of local resources available. Having a specialized team to serve as the central connection point ensures our leaders have quick access to critical resources and support. It enhances our ability to address individual situations, particularly in time-sensitive situations when every moment counts,” said Col. Philip Warlick, 655th ISR Wing commander. “Our goal is for every Airman to know who and where they can go to for help. Resiliency is about building a team, and we can’t do it alone. All Airmen must know help is out there and that it’s OK to ask for help.”
Within ISR units in particular, leaders have continued to emphasize that seeking support will not negatively impact career progression or security clearance status. In fact, seeking care early often mitigates security concerns and usually prevents a situation from getting worse in the future, Williams said.
“The stigma still exists, Airmen believe sharing will negatively impact them, they’ll stay quiet. We (leaders) have to be willing to listen and help, but our Airmen have to be open to asking for help,” he said. “When the vulnerability and connection meet, that’s when we can really prevent incidences. That’s really what the goal is when we’re talking about being resilient. Being resilient is not saying difficult aren’t going to occur – it’s saying, when things happen, I’m going to choose to continue on and seek help if need be.”
The inherent stress associated with executing ISR missions is not often immediately apparent. Even when deployed overseas, some ISR members are conducting missions within secure facilities and operating behind computer screens, but they’re still exposed to the psychological trauma of warfare, said Ashley Edwards, 655th ISR Wing director of psychological health.
“We need to be mindful that indirect trauma is still trauma. If these stressors are not properly identified and managed, the consequences can be detrimental. It’s important that we as leaders, family and friends recognize these challenges and properly address them to ensure the well-being of our service members AND their families,” she said.
Services provided by the resiliency first sergeants and the resiliency team extend beyond Reserve members to their families to ensure the whole family is cared for, Williams said.
“Being an Airman comes with resources for a reason. We have all raised our hand to volunteer to serve, and the reality is that even the strongest Airmen need help too,” Williams said. “This position is about ensuring all our members know they don’t have to do it alone and what resources they have access to. Ensuring leaders are equipped to know what resources are available is critical to identifying issues quicker and getting Airmen exactly what they need to prevent the worst from happening.”
For more information about Air Force resiliency efforts, visit www.resilience.af.mil.