On Saving - The Psychosocial Benefit of Saving Lives in War and Society

Abstract

Posttraumatic stress can result from combat and noncombat-related experiences. Conditioning military forces to be lethal or to save lives may influence responses to stress. Training to respond to casualties and to save lives should be a universal practice among medical and non-medical personnel when preparing for combat operations and battlefield casualties. National security requires a strong military. A strong military is reliant on a strong society that is cohesive as well as economically and spiritually intact. Cohesion is vital to the overall health and development of a society. A lack of cohesion can result in excess mortality and a reduction in life expectancy. Cohesion expands social networks and increases social capital that provides support for its military and overall population. Cohesion and leadership are needed to defend our nation, preserve national security, improve societal health, and save lives.

Keywords: cohesion; combat; posttraumatic stress; saving lives; societal health.