Chemical changes in the brain

This story has some interesting things that are starting to come out more and more. Further down in the story is the role of mentorship. I cannot stress this one thing enough, the role of NCO's to mentor their troops with all the tools listed...

Psychosocial factors are also important. Positive emotions, the ability to regulate emotions, cognitive flexibility, possession of a moral compass, social support, training, rapid recovery and understanding the purpose and meaning of the mission are all factors that lessen the chances of a soldier developing PTSD, Dr. Southwick explained. And having a mentor with these attributes can also be important. “Resilient role models can transmit attitudes, values, and patterns of thought and behavior,” he noted. “Imitation is a very powerful way of learning.”

It sounds remarkably similar to good parenting. There are some notions among some that to be a good military NCO is to be the cold, emotionless (except for explosive bouts of anger) drill sergeant type, the SGT Rock type. There is a time when the NCO needs to put his foot up someplace in a swift military manner. And there are those few who respond only to such treatment, but they are a much lower number than many who subsribe to such types of treatment would tell you. I've been fortunate to have the love and respect of the men that I've lead. I don't see it so much as me leading them so much as I have to give my best to a group of great men.