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Third Location Decompression (TLD)

Third Location Decompression (TLD). D. Walter LaBrie, Ph.D. CDR MSC USN Licensed Clinical Psychologist. BLUF. When properly executed, TLD appears to be a valid exercise to help personnel deal with the psychological impact of their work and may mitigate operational stress injuries

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Third Location Decompression (TLD)

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  1. Third Location Decompression (TLD) D. Walter LaBrie, Ph.D. CDR MSC USN Licensed Clinical Psychologist

  2. BLUF • When properly executed, TLD appears to be a valid exercise to help personnel deal with the psychological impact of their work and may mitigate operational stress injuries • Elements of an effective TLD • Westernized country but not CONUS • Minimize administrative burden • Limiting structure facilitates decompression

  3. Background • Decompression – process designed to allow personnel returning from deployment to adapt to the home environment in a graduated way, with the aim of reducing the potential for maladaptive psychological adjustment • Third Location Decompression – utilization of decompression activities outside of theater but prior to arrival in home country • History • Decompression applied in theater or in home country following previous conflicts met with limited success (e.g. Canadians utilized Decompression in Canada following Kosovo Conflict) • In 2002, the British and Canadians (Operation Apollo), began employing TLD • TLD currently employed by: • Canada – Guam/Cyprus • Britain – Cyprus • USN Spec Forces (SEALS/MARSOC) – Rota, Spain

  4. Empirical Research • 9,800 surveys of UK Participants • 80% ambivalent/negative prior to TLD • After TLD 91% reported finding it useful. • Desire to participate was the strongest predictor of perceived helpfulness. • Troops who found the TLD less helpful included • Those who had been through the process before • Combat troops and non-commissioned officers • Those reporting more adjustment concerns were more likely to perceive TLD as helpful.

  5. Key Elements of the U.K. approach • Decompression is discretionary • Decision to implement is made at brigade level • Decompression program consists of a balance of carefully considered and properly orchestrated activities and leisure-time • Program is constructed and managed by personnel at a higher level who have experienced the same operational environment • Participation in the decompression process is universal

  6. USN/USMC Spec Forces • Conduct in a westernized Country (not CONUS) • Minimal briefs and debriefs (<3 hours/day) • No Admin requirements (no PDHA, etc.) • Minimal oversight (allows decompression) • If possible, not on Military Base, but utilize location close to Military Base (NEX/Gym Access) • <72 hours (i.e. two nights) • Reintroduce Alcohol – tight liberty rules (i.e. liberty buddies, check-in/out, warning of severe punishment for ARI )

  7. Recommendations • Socialize with II MEF • Explore viability of executing TLD for 2nd MLG • We will be happy to start the above socialization as directed by MLG leadership.

  8. Questions?

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