Naval Education and Training Command: Warrior Toughness

Every U.S. Navy Sailor, enlisted or officer, could face life-threatening situations from combat or casualty. Each and every one needs to have the ability to persevere and perform under both immediate danger and long-term stress, both on the job and at home.

Warrior Toughness (WT) is a holistic human performance skillset that enhances the toughness of our Sailors with a focus on the pursuit of peak performance. The system emphasizes coequal development of toughness in the mind, body, and soul. WT combines performance psychology skills with character development, and teaches the Warrior Mindset, whose concepts were initially developed by members of the Naval Special Warfare community.

Designed to increase the Navy’s warfighting capabilities, WT is an enabler of the Culture of Excellence as part of the first line of effort – Developing a Lethal Warfighting Force. In place at Recruit Training Command since October 2018, the curriculum is now incorporated across all Navy accessions at Officer Training Command Newport, the United States Naval Academy and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. WT will improve the performance of Sailors under stress and throughout their everyday lives, building lethal warfighters ready for the next mission.

Video by Master Sgt. Amber Monio

Nebraska Air Guard uses VR technology to conduct suicide prevention training

National Guard Bureau

June 11, 2023 | 0:45

Members of the Nebraska Air National Guard’s 155th Air Refueling Wing are turning to virtual reality (VR) technology to complete their annual suicide prevention training. The training, which is mandatory for all military personnel, is designed to help service members recognize warning signs and learn how to intervene when someone they know may be at risk for suicide. Participants wore VR headsets to interact with a fellow Airman in need in a simulation designed to help them better understand the ACE concept—Ask, Care, Escort—when encountering a potentially suicidal person. By simulating realistic scenarios and providing immersive experiences, VR offers a unique platform to educate and prepare military personnel in identifying, responding to, and preventing suicidal behavior within their ranks. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Tech. Sgt. Phil Cowen, edited by Master Sgt. Amber Monio)