The School of Behavioural Sciences and Forensic Investigations (SBSFI) at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) is proud to announce the commencement of a comprehensive one-month training programme aimed at enhancing the skills of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) from the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. This initiative focuses on the critical area of psychological counselling, equipping JCO’s with essential tools and techniques to effectively support their peers and subordinates. A total of 15 JCOs are participating in this one-month training programme.

The training programme addresses the growing need for mental health support within the units, ranks and companies. Recognising that psychological well-being is paramount for operational effectiveness, RRU’s curriculum will cover various aspects of psychological counselling, including stress management, emotional resilience, and conflict resolution strategies. Participants will engage in interactive workshops, case studies, and practical sessions led by experienced psychologists and behavioural science professionals.

The training will be conducted by a team of highly qualified faculty members from RRU’s SBSFI. These experts bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in cognitive psychology, counselling, suicide prevention, interpersonal management, crises management etc, ensuring that participants receive top-notch education tailored to their unique needs.

The training programme will span one month, commencing on 19th September 2024 and concluding on 22nd October 2024. Sessions will be held at RRU’s state-of-the-art facilities in Gandhinagar, providing an ideal environment for learning and development.

The primary objectives of this training programme include:

• Understanding Psychological Principles: The training will cover foundational psychological concepts relevant to military contexts, including stress management, trauma recovery, and effective communication strategies.
• Counselling Techniques: Participants will learn various counselling techniques tailored for military personnel. This includes active listening skills, empathy development, and crisis intervention strategies.
• Mental Health Awareness: The program aims to raise awareness about mental health issues prevalent among soldiers and how JCOs can play a pivotal role in identifying and addressing these concerns.
• Practical Application: Through workshops and role-playing scenarios, JCOs will have opportunities to practice their counselling skills in simulated environments that mimic real-life situations they may encounter.
• Peer Support: To foster a culture of mental health awareness and peer support among soldiers.
• Operational Readiness: To enhance overall operational readiness by addressing psychological challenges faced by personnel.

Curriculum Highlights:

• Psychological Assessment Tools: Training on how to use various screening and assessment tools to evaluate mental health conditions.
• Crisis Management Strategies: Techniques for managing acute psychological crises effectively.
• Group Dynamics: Understanding group behaviour within military units and how it affects individual mental health.
• Ethical Considerations: Discussions on ethical dilemmas faced during counselling sessions.

By the end of this training program, JCOs are expected to:

• Gain confidence in providing psychological support to their peers.
• Develop a deeper understanding of mental health challenges specific to military life.
• Enhance their leadership capabilities by integrating psychological insights into their command roles.

This initiative aims to improve individual soldier welfare and foster a culture where mental health is prioritised within military organisations.

The collaboration between SBSFI, RRR and the Indian Army’s Eastern Command represents a significant step towards enhancing psychological resilience among soldiers through targeted training programs focused on counselling.

This initiative underscores RRU’s commitment to supporting the Indian Armed Forces through innovative educational programmes that address contemporary challenges. By investing in the mental health capabilities of JCOs, RRU aims to contribute positively to the overall well-being of military personnel.

AP/GP/JD

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