Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

A Leader’s Guide to Risk Communicationin the Face of Emerging Threats
War creates many psychological■■ Involve NCOs at all levels ofstressors. Some are known andService members can be best
training so they can understandunderstood, allowing for preparation andrisks and teach in ways that
prepared through training,training. As military conflicts evolve, novel
reassure and protect troops.
protective gear, educationmechanisms of killing and disruption,■■ Frequently assess personnel
both in peacetime and war, increase fearand effective ongoing risk
at all levels regarding theirand uncertainty and can significantly
understanding of and concerns
communication.
diminish readiness. Historically, theabout new and emerging threats.
introduction of new weapons into warfare,such as the Gatling gun or chemical agents, increased the■■ Education on risk communication is an important part ofstress burden on service members. During recent Middle East
leadership training at all levels.
conflicts, increased use of improvised explosive devices was■■ Ensure health care providers receive training in risk
associated with elevated rates of suicide attempts in service
communication across medical disciplines, so they aremembers, including those currently deployed, previously
well equipped to work with families about health anddeployed, and even among those never deployed. The increase
deployment concerns.
in suicide attempts was independent of operational tempo,■■ Educate family members on the potential adverse effects
indicating it is not the “intensity of war” but the nature ofof continuous or ongoing exposure to media coverage ofwarfare on the battlefield causing distress.
combat, which increase stress, particularly for children.
Service members can be best prepared through training,■■ Training and education about new protective equipment
protective gear, education, and effective ongoing risk
developed for novel threats can enhance feelings of safety
communication. Risk communication is a critical tool forand improve performance.
optimizing the psychological and behavioral response ofan organization or community. For military leaders, risk■■ Distress over new threats presents a particular challenge
communication involves sharing information about operational
to individuals who have yet to experience combat.
risks, the significance and meaning of those risks, as well as
decisions, actions or policies aimed at managing the risks.
References and Additional Resources
Effective risk communication builds esprit-de-corps, reduces
Ursano, R.J., Kessler, R.C., Naifeh, J.A., Herberman-Mash,
operational stress, and allows service members to better
H., Fullerton, C.S., Bliese, P.D., Wynn, G.W., Aliaga,
focus on the mission. Leaders can enhance service members’
P.A., Wryter, C., Sampson, N.A., Kao, T., Colpe, L.J.,
readiness for the unique psychological stressors of novel andSchoenbaum, M., Cox, K.L., Heeringa, S.G., & Stein, M.B.
evolving weapons on the battlefield through the following:(2017). Frequency of Improvised Explosive Devices andSuicide Attempts in the U.S. Army. Military Medicine,■■ Utilize effective risk communication principles, including:
182(3), e1697-e1703.
provide information on a regular and timely basis,Leadership
Communication: Anticipating and Responding toshare what is known about the threat, avoid speculation,Stressful Events. Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.
always be truthful, avoid false promises, provide updated
https://www.cstsonline.org/resources/resource-masterinformation when available, and anticipate the need tolist/leadership-communication-in-anticipation-of-andrepeat messages.
responding-to-stressful-events■■ Realistic preparation for combat deployment, including
new and emerging threats, encourages mastery andreduces fear.