WASHINGTON –
Serving in the DC National Guard is both an honor and a responsibility. Our mission, unity of purpose, and readiness extends both to our Nation and communities. However, the challenges faced by DC Guardsmen are unique compared to those in other states and territories, requiring a focused approach to resilience and well-being. This article outlines those specific challenges and offers strategies for managing their impact.
A Unique Mission & High Demands
The DC National Guard operates within a uniquely complex environment. Unlike most state National Guards, the DC Guard has a dual-status mission – serving both the District of Columbia and the federal government – with a disproportionately high activation frequency for domestic and national security events. This includes frequent support to civil authorities, security for national special security events (NSSEs), and rapid response capabilities for national emergencies. This constant state of readiness, coupled with the Guard's role in protecting national monuments and federal assets, creates a persistent operational tempo and heightened visibility not typically experienced by other state units. Furthermore, the DC National Guard draws its members from a broad range of backgrounds with a high cost of living, adding financial and logistical stressors to their already demanding schedules.
Recognizing & Managing Stress
Stress is the body’s natural response to demanding situations. In a military setting, a certain level of stress can enhance focus and performance in high-pressure scenarios – a phenomenon often described as “optimal stress.” However, prolonged or excessive stress transitions from helpful to harmful, negatively affecting mental and physical health.
DC National Guard members – both Army and Air Force – face a combination of stressors including:
- Balancing civilian careers and military duties
- Uncertainty surrounding deployments (given proximity to national assets)
- Separation from family
- Intense training
- Leadership responsibilities
- The unique demands of supporting civil authorities in D.C.
If left unmanaged, chronic stress can manifest as anxiety, depression, fatigue, high blood pressure, impaired decision-making, and increased risk of physical illness.
Key warning signs of stress include:
· Emotional: Mood swings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, feelings of hopelessness.
· Physical: Fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, changes in sleep or appetite.
· Behavioral: Withdrawal from loved ones, isolation, disrupted sleep.
Building Resilience: A Multi-faceted Approach
1. Leadership’s Role:
Leadership plays a vital role in fostering a culture of proactive stress management within the DC National Guard. Leadership at all levels must prioritize mental health and encourage open conversations about well-being. Leaders should lead by example in maintaining work-life balance, normalizing help-seeking behavior, and ensuring Guardsmen are aware of available support services. While the DC National Guard provides valuable resources – stress management workshops, and peer support programs – ongoing assessment is needed to determine their effectiveness and address any gaps in service. Are these programs reaching those who need them most? Are they adequately addressing the specific stressors faced by DC Guardsmen? Continuous evaluation and improvement are essential.
2. Self-Care is Essential:
- Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat stress. Exercise releases endorphins, reduces anxiety, and strengthens mental and emotional resilience. Recommended activities include cardio (running, cycling, swimming), strength training (weightlifting, resistance exercises), and mind-body exercises (yoga, Tai Chi, stretching). Establishing a consistent fitness routine can improve mood, regulate emotions, and enhance sleep quality.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides the energy and nutrients needed to cope with stress. Limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine can help stabilize mood and energy levels.
- Mental Resilience: Practicing mindfulness and meditation helps Guardsmen stay present and focused, reducing contemplation of stressful thoughts. Positive thinking strategies – such as maintaining a gratitude journal, focusing on controllable factors, and reframing negative thoughts – can shift perspectives and reduce stress. Effective time management, including using a planner, setting realistic goals, and prioritizing self-care, can help Guardsmen balance their military and civilian responsibilities.
- Spiritual Resilience: Development of personal qualities needed to sustain a person in times of stress, hardship, or tragedy. Spiritual resilience isn’t solely about religion, although faith can play a key role for some. It’s about finding purpose, believing in something larger than oneself, connecting with others, forgiving oneself and moving on from mistakes, living one’s values, and serving selflessly.
Resources Available
- Confidential Counseling: Military & Family Life Counseling
- 24/7 Mental Health Hotlines: Including the Military Crisis Line: 988 then Press 1.
- Peer Support Groups: Connect with others who understand your experiences.
- Unit Ministry/Religious Support Teams Col. Vincent Cummings - vincent.a.cummings.mil@army.mil – Phone: (202) 685-9848
- Directors of Psychological Health (DPH) - Laura Stewart laura.k.stewart5.mil@army.mil
- Soldier & Family Readiness Programs - Nicolette Stout - nicolette.m.stout.civ@army.mil – Phone: (202)-685-9967
- Personal Financial Counselors Valerie Purvis - Pfc1.dc@magellanfederal.com – Phone: (202) 734-0739
- Military OneSource: Online tools, articles, and professional guidance.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By recognizing stress early, utilizing fitness and mental resilience techniques, prioritizing nutrition, avoiding harmful coping mechanisms, and actively seeking available support, DC National Guard members—both Army and Air—can maintain peak performance while safeguarding their health. Together, the DC National Guard can foster a culture of resilience, camaraderie, and sustained well-being.
This article was written in collaboration with U.S. Army CH (COL) Vincent Cummings - Command Chaplain, Edwin Lloyd - Risk Reduction Coordinator, Dr. Theresa Owolabi - SARC, LTC Laura Stewart - Director of Psychological Health, and Nicolette Stout - Soldier & Family Readiness Specialist.