Common Military Stressors
| Military Stress | Description |
|---|---|
| High Operational Tempo (OPTEMPO)28,29 | Excessive work |
| Short notice changes to plans | |
| Continuous operations | |
| Day-to-day demands | |
| Long-range work requirements | |
| Perception of work overload | |
| Separation from family | |
| Decreased communication with family | |
| Unpredictability28,30–37 | Rapid mobilization |
| Phone or internet unavailability | |
| Stand-by status | |
| Reception by the public | |
| Deployments10,38–41 | Combat missions |
| Humanitarian missions | |
| Peace-keeping missions | |
| Austere environments | |
| Servicemember casualties | |
| Human remains | |
| Death of enemy combatants | |
| Civilian noncombatant casualties | |
| Life threatening experiences | |
| Training42–46 | Novelty |
| Inability to anticipate requirements | |
| Time management pressure | |
| Sleep deprivation | |
| Inexperience with roles and responsibilities | |
| Continuous stress | |
| Physical exertion | |
| Toxic Leadership47 | Inexperienced managers |
| Late decisions | |
| Frenzied, micromanaged climate | |
| Indifferent leaders | |
| Abusive leaders | |
| Culture of distrust |