Returning to the fight with unbroken resolve

FORT DRUM, N.Y. - - The formula for adaptive leaders in America's evolving Army calls as much for empathy and resilience as it does for discipline and grit.

Constant change, unexpected challenges and setbacks demand everyday flexibility and mental toughness from every Soldier.

Col. Paul Larson, the commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, transformed his perspective of resilience as an adaptive leader after enduring a life changing hardship firsthand.

Just one year ago, the course of Larson's career was altered when a parachute jump left him with a concussion, broken back and shattered leg.

"I really tried to get up," Larson said. "I didn't know at that point that my back was broken ... so I tried to limp my way as far as I could, but I probably only made it ten feet before I couldn't go any further. I knew pretty quickly that I was in store for a lengthy recovery, and I did my best at that moment to accept that."

At the time, Larson was commander of an airborne brigade combat team in Alaska and logged more than 100 parachute jumps in almost 30 years as a paratrooper. He was formerly an enlisted Soldier and earned Special Forces and ranger qualifications.

Larson completed a half marathon in Kabul, Afghanistan, during his sixth deployment just a few months before the accident rendered him unable to eat on his own for the week he spent in intensive care.

Though the way ahead would not be easy, Larson's view of resilience transformed as he progressed toward unassisted walking from a wheelchair, walker and cane.

"I talked a lot about emotional and psychological wellness, so this was my opportunity to really practice some of those things that I'd been talking about for a long time," Larson added.

In the past few years, Fort Drum leaders have adopted a concurrent philosophy toward injuries and a need for improved readiness, ultimately leading to the creation of the Unbreakable Warrior Program.

The UWP is aimed at mitigating preventable injuries while rehabilitating, reconditioning, and reintegrating injured Soldiers like Larson, getting them back into the fight.

"I think for many years we leaders have preached resilience, and I think we've preached mental and physical toughness," Larson added. "Since my injury I have a much greater appreciation for those that have been injured before me, for the resilience they have practiced, and ultimately I think that is what has changed."

Capt. Andrew Carlson, a 2BCT physical therapist, heads UWP for the brigade and said it cannot succeed without the full support and participation of leaders and soldiers alike.

"Healthy Soldiers with good leaders who plan smart training get injured less," Carlson added. "This enables them to meet the Army's need (to) fight and win wars ... The more we educate the Mountain Community with relevant information, and ensure comprehension, we will have a more fit and capable fighting force."

While Larson is close to leaving his own injury behind, his new North Country Soldiers can reap the benefits of the UWP during his second opportunity to command.

"We are part of an organization that truly cares about (our) well-being," Larson said. "Your leaders will remain engaged with you, every day, to assist you with your recovery. If you practice ... resilience in your heart, and work hard every day through therapy and recovery, every day gets a little bit better. It's not going to be easy and it's going to be a long path, but certainly the obstacles we encounter, be it physical, mental and emotional, can be overcome with the help of others."