Is the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness (CSF2), a.k.a. MRT, effective for improving emotional and behavioral health in the Army?

2015-07-15T09:47:43-04:00

If you are in the Army then you should well aware of the Master Resiliency Training that is now called CSF2. The intent of the program was to give mental tools and knowledge to Soldiers and families to develop better and more effective coping mechanisms when it comes to dealing with life and the demands of the military. It's been over 8 years since the Army has mandated this training requirement.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-07-15T10:00:29-04:00

Mental fitness is a good thing, what is the mental PT test?

Response by SFC Stephen King made Jul 15 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-07-15T10:33:27-04:00

When a MRT gives the training they need to be effective. 3 things to stress are 1)no death by ppt 2)have fun and 3)learn something you already know to assist you in personal and professional relationships.

Lastly this training is about your thoughts and the only thing you have control of.

From Invictus: William Earnest Henley

"I am the master of my fate and the captain of my soul."

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 10:37 AM

2015-07-15T10:37:43-04:00

No. It is not effective.
If it were, we'd have tangible results by now.
Behavioral Health issues and sadly, suicides are every bit the problem they were before CSF2 despite a declining optempo.
I haven't given up hope, but the early returns don't look positive from where I sit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 11:07 AM

2015-07-15T11:07:57-04:00

As an MRT level 2 facilitator I watch students going through the level 1 course learn things about themselves they like and some dislike throughout the course. If taught effectively at the unit level and not a check the block for USR reporting requirements it makes an impact.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-07-15T12:39:20-04:00

When trained right- it's very effective. The tools and exercises are useful and can be fun. It's helped a lot of people learn about themselves and improve.

Far too often, it's taught by people that don't care, becomes a check on the block-time waster... It's going to be trained folks so if in your unit the training sucks (and your in a position to influence) then challenge those trainers to deliver quality and effective training. Same for SHARP, EO or any of them- don't settle for crappy uninvolved training, then it is a waste of time and you're enabling stupid training in the Arny

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 10:23 PM

2015-07-24T22:23:18-04:00

Not all the skills will apply to everyone, but if you're teaching a class and at least 1 of the 14 skills stick, I'd consider it a success. I know it's helped me a number of times. When I was working at the MRT Center in Bliss, I would constantly get hit up by soldiers who went through the course and they'd tell me nothing but positive about the course itself.

And as with all mandatory courses, if the instructor doesn't give two fucks about the subject, the soldiers won't care about it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 24 at 2015 11:06 PM

2015-07-24T23:06:15-04:00

Yes but not really where it counts like PTSD/Depression. There is a mindset that docs want to quickly fix ppl to send them back to the unit.