Managing Situation Induced Stress in Military Units.

Abstract : An experimental leadership under stress course for voluntary Navy 1st lieutenants took place during 2 weeks in June-July 1992, and was the final empirical test for a model course, constructed along the present project. The rationale and step-by-step approach were detailed in the previous interim report. A combination of lectures, individual and group assignments, and active teaching techniques were used in different stress loads to convey new concepts, change attitudes, train skills, and develop a personal leadership model and style. The results were positive and encouraging; the model can be generalized to other military (or civilian) contexts. It is recommended that the course should be content and task specific and restricted to the operational level of leaders prone to work under stress, of the same rank, age, and background to be more effective. A 3-week course would be ideal. A 'trouble-shooting guide' for trainers is included.