Military Leadership and Resilience
Danny Boga
Contents
Introduction .... . .. . . .............................................................................. 2
Understanding Stress .... . .. . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . . .. . .. . .. . .. . . . . . .. . .. . .. . .. . . . . . .. . . 3
What Is Resilience? ............................................................................... 4
Personality and Resilience ........................................................................ 4
Resilience Through Selection .................................................................... 6
Resilience as a Product of Leadership . . . ........................................................ 7
Job Characteristics and Resilience ..... .......................................................... 9
Mental Health Support ............................................................................ 11
Resilience Training in the Military ............................................................... 12
Summary .... . .. . . ................................................................................. 16
Cross-References ................................................................................. 17
References ........................................................................................ 17
Abstract
Military service exposes personnel to a variety of stressors and potentially
traumatic events, ranging from combat through to common occupational
demands found in any job. Military personnel frequently face demands such as
extended time away from family and friends, exposure to ambiguous and poten-
tially lethal situations, restrictions on personal freedoms, increased legal powers
from supervisors, and the constant need to maintain “operational readiness.” The
stressors faced during military service can have significant repercussions on
operational effectiveness and force sustainment. How personnel respond to
these demands while maintaining effective performance over time is often con-
sidered to be a matter of resilience. Resilience involves the abil ity to bounce back
with minimal impact from adversity. Military leaders at all levels have become
increasingly concerned about how the resilience of their personnel might impact
or enhance operational capability. Commanders are increasingly recognizing the
D. Boga
Australian Army, Canberra, ACT, Australia
e-mail: danny.boga@defence.gov.au
© The Author(s) 2024
A. Sookermany (ed.), Handbook of Military Sciences,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-02866-4_101-2
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