by Vincent Philip Bautista
CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental (PIA)–Highlighting the importance of mental health in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) held a Troops Information and Education (TI&E) seminar spearheaded by AFP Army Chief Nurse Colonel Maria Victoria Juan, June 1.
“It is important for us to prioritize our mental health and seek support when needed. It is important to address our mental health concerns early to prevent more serious issues from developing,” Juan shared.
Tackling “BATTLEMIND (Transitioning from Combat to Home),” the seminar primarily focused on managing various stressors for each soldier towards balancing work and family time, while also addressing the behaviors and emotions that kept them alive on the battlefield that may not be appropriate for their homes and families.
AFP Army Chief Nurse Colonel Maria Victoria Juan. (58IB)
BATTLEMENT training focuses on ten specific skills, using the acronym B-A-T-T-L-E-M-I-N-D which stands for Buddies (cohesion) vs. Withdrawal, Accountability vs. Controlling, Targeted Aggression vs. Inappropriate Aggression, Tactical Awareness vs. Hypervigilance, Lethally Armed vs. “Locked and Loaded” at home, Emotional Control vs. Anger/Detachment, Mission Operational Security (OPSEC) vs. Secretiveness, Individual Responsibility vs. Guilt, Non-defensive (combat) Driving vs. Aggressive Driving, Discipline, and Ordering vs. Conflict.
58IB Commanding Officer Christian Uy and his officers welcomed the seminar to evaluate the level of morale of their troops on the ground and ensure that proper psychological support is given, mainly in cases unique to the military service. Through the TI&E, Juan hopes soldiers will be more aware and partake in the AFP’s mental healthcare programs. (VPSB/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)
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