CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Commanders’ Guide to Risk
Communication in the Face ofEmerging Military Threats
War creates many psychologicalthe battlefield causing distress.
Servicemembers
canbebestpreparedstressors. Some are known andService members canthrough training, protective gear,understood, allowing for preparation
be best prepared throughand training. As military conflicts
training, protective gear,education, and effective ongoing risk
evolve, novel mechanisms ofeducation, and effective ongoing
communication.
killing and disruption, both inrisk communication. Risk
peacetime and war, increase fear andcommunication is a critical tool
uncertainty and can significantly
for optimizing the psychologicaldiminish readiness. Historically, the introduction of newand behavioral response of an organization or community.
weapons into warfare, such as the Gatling gun or chemical
For military leaders, risk communication involves sharing
agents, increased the stress burden on service members.
information about operational risks, the significanceDuring recent Middle East conflicts, increased use ofand meaning of those risks, as well as decisions, actions,improvised explosive devices was associated with elevatedor policies aimed at managing the risks. Effective risk
rates of suicide attempts in service members, including
communication builds esprit-de-corps, reduces operational
those currently deployed, previously deployed, and evenstress, and allows service members to better focus on theamong those never deployed. The increase in suicide
mission. Leaders can enhance service members’ readinessattempts was independent of operational tempo, indicating
for the unique psychological stressors of novel and evolving
it is not the “intensity of war” but the nature of warfare on
weapons on the battlefield through the following:■ Utilize effective risk communication principles,

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including: provide information on a regular and timely
basis, share what is known about the threat, avoidspeculation, always be truthful, avoid false promises,
provide updated information when available, andanticipate the need to repeat messages.
Realistic preparation for combat deployment, including
new and emerging threats, encourages mastery andreduces fear.
Involve NCOs at all levels of training so they canunderstand risks and teach in ways that reassure andprotect troops.
Frequently assess personnel at all levels regarding
their understanding of and concerns about new andemerging threats.
Education on risk communication is an important partof leadership training at all levels.
Ensure health care providers receive training in risk
communication across medical disciplines, so they are

well equipped to work with families about health anddeployment concerns.
■ Educate family members on the potential adverse effectsof continuous or ongoing exposure to media coverage ofcombat, which increase stress, particularly for children.
■ Training and education about new protective equipment
developed for novel threats can enhance feelings ofsafety and improve performance.
■ Distress over new threats presents a particular challenge
to individuals who have yet to experience combat.
Additional Resources
Leadership Communication: Anticipating and Responding
to Stressful Events. Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress.

https://www.cstsonline.org/assets/media/documents/
CSTS_FS_Leadership_Communication_Anticipating_Responding_to_Stressful_Events.pdf