FORT BLISS, Texas -- Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 363rd Regiment (Training Support), Task Force Black Scorpion, 5th Armored Brigade, Division West put the true meaning of resiliency to action during Comprehensive Soldier Family Fitness training here recently.
Soldiers used the rock-climbing wall at the Roberto Loeza Soldier Activity Center to apply the lessons they had just learned about being resilient.
"Using the rock-climbing wall was a really fun way to incorporate a practical aspect into CSFF training," said Sgt. Verissa Lee, Task Force Black Scorpion unit personnel officer. "The activity greatly enhanced my understanding of resiliency while adding a hands-on aspect."
In an effort to increase psychological care for Soldiers, the Army implemented the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness training program in 2009 and trained senior noncommissioned officers as Master Resiliency Trainers who teach skills that increase Soldiers' abilities to be resilient both on and off duty. Since then, the Army recognized the importance of incorporating Family members into the training and renamed the program Comprehensive Soldier Family Fitness.
Soldiers and Family members of the battalion were trained on module one of the Preparation Spouse Resilience Training in two phases.
"We started the day by receiving an overview briefing outlined in module one," said Capt. Scott Stang, Task Force Black Scorpion Alpha Team chief. "Once the briefing was done, we competed in a rock-wall-climbing competition."
The competition had a twist, however.
Soldiers partnered up into teams of two, with one Soldier climbing the wall and the other answering questions related directly to the lessons taught that day. Soldiers were only allowed to climb if their partners answered a resiliency question correctly.
The resiliency training could not have come at a better time for the battalion. Just a month ago, the Soldiers had to say goodbye to their Families and friends as they transitioned to active duty from Mesa, Ariz., to Fort Bliss, Texas.
"It has been hard having to completely uproot yourself," said Capt. James Billingsley, Task Force Black Scorpion officer-in-charge of operations. "The emotional stress it causes can be detrimental to not only the Soldier, but the Family members, as well."
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