Theoretical dimensions of small unit resilience

Abstract

When Soldiers deploy into any theater of operation, they encounter a sustained series of stressors unlike any they would encounter at home station. To mitigate the cumulative effect of these stressors on their units and individual Soldiers, leaders must be able to assist service members in learning strategies to effectively cope with stress under the most arduous of conditions. These strategies can improve the effectiveness and sustainability of our Soldiers in combat. The central purpose of this project is to identify how leaders can build, foster, and sustain resiliency in their organizations at the unit level. Researchers Sutcliffe and Vogus define resilience is defined as "the capacity for adaptability, positive functioning, or competence following chronic stress or prolonged trauma." Put simply, it allows an individual or organization to draw on internal and external resources to positively adjust to current adversities and strengthens their ability to cope with future adversities. Building resilience is critical to mission accomplishment, longevity and sustainability of Soldiers in combat. However, in order for units to properly do so for the long-term, they must contain the following characteristics of resilience: concerted leadership, adequate resources, enhancement of organizational learning, flexibility/adaptability in the face of adversity, and goal oriented.