FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 31, 2013) -- To help new Soldiers prepare for the physical and emotional stressors of deployments, Comprehensive Resilience Module training videos have offered a realistic perspective of combat.
For the second year, Fort Benning was the selected site for production of the Comprehensive Soldier & Family Fitness Program, or CSF2, comprehensive resilience modules, known as CRMs. Scenes for its most recent production, Resilience on the Battlefield, were filmed July 23-26, at various locations.
CRMs are online, evidence-based training modules that can be accessed after completing the Global Assessment Tool. The modules take 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and focus on developing individual social, emotional, family, spiritual and physical resilience.
Samuel M. Rhodes, MCoE's CSF2 manager, said Fort Benning was selected based on the Maneuver Center of Excellence's leadership in providing the best practices and pioneering efforts with the CSF2 program.
"The scenario-based CRMs in collaboration with effective unit resilience training will give first-time deploying Soldiers the life skills necessary to bounce back from the adversities that may happen during a deployment," Rhodes said. "With help of the CRMs, Soldiers can identify those stressors and learn how to cope with them during the deployment."
PARIO, an interactive communications and learning company based in Atlanta, has filmed more than 50 percent of the CRMs. Directed by Carolyn Cole, CEO of PARIO, the storyline of Resilience on the Battlefield follows two unit preparing to deploy to Afghanistan. With many of the unit members facing their first combat mission, pressure mounts as the units come under a surprise attack by insurgents posing as local villagers.
The video features four different scenarios, with Soldiers' thoughts and words captured in a documentary-style approach to help support the learning objectives of the CRMs.
Master Sgt. Richard Smith, CSF2 staff lead, said 22 Fort Benning Soldiers were cast for roles that depict the preparation for scenarios, including killing in combat and dealing with the emotional, psychological and spiritual consequences. Threat Tec and Advanced Situational Awareness Training experts provided role players and props for an authentic view of the culture and mannerisms in Afghanistan.
"(Threat Tec has) really brought out the realism of what we're doing here and they're a great asset to Fort Benning," Smith said.
Spc. Blake Oliver, a heavy equipment operator with the 11th Engineer Battalion's, 63rd Engineer Company, said the production required some of cast to use their own experiences in combat situations.
"I have deployed before so I think it's great to do something for the Army and give others a chance to see what it's like during a deployment and avoid some bad decisions," said Oliver. "There's a lot of behind the scenes work involved, but the experience here has been great. I've loved every part of it."
Soldiers can access the CRMs through the Global Assessment Tool, Soldier Fitness Tracker or the unit MRT can access them through the MRT Resource center.
Social Sharing