Post master resilience trainers gather at breakfast

By Spc. Paul Holston (XVIII Corps)March 22, 2013

Post master resilience trainers gather at breakfast
Thomas Hill, Family Advocacy program manager, speaks to about 30
Master Resilience Training (MRT) representatives from various units
across Fort Bragg during an enrichment breakfast held at 525th
Battlefield Surveillance Brigade Consolidated Dining F... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
VIEW ORIGINAL

The Army's definition of resilience is the ability to grow, thrive in the face of challenges and bounce back from adversity. This attribute plays a vital role in a Soldier's overall performance in both foreign and domestic environments. Because of this, the Army is continuing to emphasize the importance of resilience and enhancing performance within units through the Master Resilience Training course.

On March 5, about 30 MRT representatives from various units across Fort Bragg attended an enrichment breakfast to learn more about the resources available to maximize training within their unit. The breakfast, hosted by the XVIII Airborne Corps Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program, was held at 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade Consolidated Dining Facility.

"The master resilience training is built on 30 years of positive psychological studies from the University of Pennsylvania," said Sgt. 1st Class Warren Feaster, XVIII Abn. Corps Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness deputy director. "What they found is that some people are born with resilience, but resilience skills can also be taught. That is the basis of the program," he said.

"We teach Soldiers how to bounce back from any setbacks, problems, or issues; big or small," said Staff Sgt. Shareese Blakley, XVIII Abn. Corps MRT representative. "We do this type of event quarterly to not only build cohesion, but to enlighten these representatives on what resources are freely available to them."

The event presented two guest speakers from the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program and Army Family Advocacy program, each explaining the mission within their organizations and providing tools that MRT representatives could use for their personal use.

Kristin Knight, Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness site manager at Fort Bragg, said she wanted to share with the Soldiers that they are in a special group that has been selected to deliver a unique mission.

"Our biggest concern currently on Fort Bragg is domestic violence and abuse … these MRTs are the frontline and are the best resources we have to getting people help early," said Thomas Hill, Family Advocacy program manager.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey N. Colt, deputy commanding general, XVIII Abn. Corps, also praised the MRT representatives for working together to achieve optimal performance in units on Fort Bragg.

"Each unit has its own culture … they are all a little bit different," said Colt. "Their performance will be enhanced if we strip away the stress.

It's reaching out and finding some way to enhance their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and Family fitness. It's leaders leading. You all have an incredibly important mission and I'm proud of each every one of you."

Related Links:

Fort Bragg Facebook

Paraglide Facebook

XVIII Airborne Corps Facebook

Fort Bragg Website