The definition of ‘resilience’ in the Armed Forces has changed drastically over the last few decades, and it’s now part of standard training exercises.
Here, Major General (retired) Paul Nanson CB CBE shares his thoughts on resilience. Paul served in the Armed Forces for over 30 years, and since retiring in 2020, he’s become a motivational speaker.
“When I joined the Army way back in the late 1980s, ‘resilience’ was all about physical robustness. The strength of the individual was measured through physical assessments – how fast they could run or how much weight they could carry.
“The first Gulf War certainly brought it home to me that it was more than that. We all came home different. We’d experienced difficult situations that had called for us to dig deep into mental and physical reserves.
“We didn’t know it then, but the Armed Forces were on a learning journey through operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. We now think more carefully about developing people’s resilience across all four dimensions: physical, emotional, spiritual and mental.
“Today the Armed Forces teach resilience in all their training establishments. Of course, it’s not perfect, but it does at least acknowledge the fact that you can develop all-round resilience. Leaving it until after the ‘event’ isn’t an option, and neither is doing nothing!”
Paul’s suggestions to develop resilience
Be self-aware
“Learn to identify the warning signs that you’re becoming stressed, and then work out coping strategies to help you respond accordingly.
Be optimistic
“Try and have a healthy view on reality, and keep a sense of humour.
Understand context
“When things are tough, try and find some meaning. Think about the broader perspective of what’s going on around you.
Think to the finish
“Always consider the ‘what if’ rather than just the ‘what is’. This might well be a positive outcome, a different way to think through a problem. Focus on the things you can influence rather than worrying about those you can’t.
Talk about it
“It’s okay to not be okay. Develop a support network of people you can trust to have a meaningful discussion that will help you think through your challenge.”
Further reading
Go back to Military in Focus
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