ASAP Initiative With Fill The Ruck

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – The Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) coordinated a "Fill the Ruck" event as a proactive approach to highlight mental health and suicide awareness within the Army, Sept. 6, 2024, near the American Lake Conference Center.

"Fill the Ruck" is a notable event that aligns with the ASAP initiative. The event began two years ago at Cowan Stadium and involved about 600 service members. The event has grown to incorporate physically demanding activities. This year, participants carried rocks weighing 35-50 pounds to represent the burden of stress. The event builds team cohesion and increases awareness about getting help and resources for managing transitions, relationships, and finances.

The event required military members to walk five miles with rucks filled with donated goods while carrying a rock to each station.

ASAP is spearheading a proactive approach to mental health within the Army, focusing on suicide prevention, risk mitigation, and substance abuse. The program aims to support service members and their families before issues worsen with its comprehensive services. ASAP aims to combine education, resources, and team-building activities to foster a healthier, more cohesive environment.

Jackie Salazar, ASAP's program manager, and Johnathan Krause, the prevention coordinator manager, recently discussed ASAP's initiatives. The initiatives included various preventative services, such as suicide prevention, drug testing, and an employee assistance program for workplace support.

"I think that it's just getting down to the junior enlisted," said Krause. "We really want to let these folks know these are the resources available to you."

Unfortunately, a lingering stigma around asking for help remains. Krause emphasized that while the Army offers numerous support options, many Soldiers need to be made aware of how to access them or are hesitant due to the perceived stigma. This stigma persists even though the Army is more active in improving awareness and reducing barriers to seeking help.

"I think it all comes down to building communities, building relationships, showing the importance of using these services, and sharing experiences," said Salazar. "In a unit, people share that they've had problems, it creates trust."

'Connect to Protect' is a motto that symbolizes the importance of community amongst Soldiers.

Small actions, such as acknowledging a fellow Soldier or engaging in simple conversations, can significantly improve mental health and strengthen team cohesion. Building a supportive community within units is essential for enhancing readiness and resilience.

The ASAP program and its initiatives like "Fill the Ruck" represent a critical effort to enhance mental health and unit cohesion in the military. Addressing stigma, integrating prevention into daily activities, and fostering open communication are pivotal steps toward a proactive support and community culture.