"Bulletproof Mind" presenter talks about warrior spirit

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  A former U.S. Military Academy professor spoke to Hurlburt Airmen about preparation for combat at the U.S. Air Force Special Operations School auditorium at Hurlburt Field Aug. 11.

Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, director of the Warrior Science Group, an organization concerned with the understanding of killing in war and its psychological costs, lectured about the conditions of individuals in combat. He also talked about post-traumatic stress disorder and highlighted the process of healing in today's environment.

"We've got to create an environment in which it is OK for them to get the help that they need," Colonel Grossman said in his presentation, which he also gives to law enforcement agencies and medical associations around the world.

Colonel Grossman's message strongly emphasized the significance of reaffirming the importance of their work, whether they be police officers, medics or warriors.

"I always tell our warriors to believe in who they are and believe in what they do," he said. "They must also know that their cause is just, and their sacrifices were for a noble and worthy purpose. I've spoken to some of the Army's Wounded Warrior Battalions, and when I told them that, they began to cry. Nobody ever had the moral courage to tell them that. Understanding this is the foundation of resiliency and living with what we as warriors have to do."

Colonel Grossman highlighted the warrior spirit that makes up the Armed Forces especially as they are faced with fighting a war on two fronts. He concluded by saying how warriors protect the lives of people they do not know not only because it's their job, but because they do it out of love.

"The ultimate manifestation of love is not to sacrifice one's own life, but to lead a life of sacrifice," he said. "This war, at this point, is being fought by 100 percent wartime volunteers. Every person raised their right arm to fight in a time of war. This is the greatest group of patriots since the American Revolution."

USAFSOS Commandant Col. William Andersen credited Colonel Grossman's writing as integral to his understanding of the subject while serving as commander of a provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan in 2008.

"It is our responsibility as military professionals to continue to educate and train ourselves," Colonel Andersen said. "I personally use a lot of professional reading to do so, and I can tell you his books are the most dog-eared that I own. This was an opportunity I've been looking forward to for years." 

In order to present the same opportunity to others, the lecture was also recorded on video for future training within the Air Force Special Operations Command.

Capt. Corey Carnes, 1st Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy officer, described Colonel Grossman's material about warriors utilizing mental health providers as a must-hear message for the special operations community.

"I did get some great takeaways from his presentation and thoroughly enjoyed it," Captain Carnes said. "Our primary mission is to strengthen the warrior. Airmen can consult with us about strategies to build resilience, create confidence, overcome stressors, endure hardships or even deal with conflict. The purpose of therapy does not have to be about fixing problems, but also to avoid problems by building strength first."