Third Location Decompression (TLD)
Third Location Decompression (TLD) is a structured process aimed at assisting military personnel transition back to home life after deployment, minimizing psychological stress and maladjustment. Properly executed TLD can significantly mitigate operational stress injuries. Key elements include minimal administrative demands, limited structure, and activities organized by personnel with similar operational experience. Research indicates high effectiveness, with 91% of participants finding TLD helpful. This innovative approach is currently utilized by various armed forces in locations like Cyprus, Guam, and Rota, Spain.
Third Location Decompression (TLD)
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Presentation Transcript
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 • Elements of an effective TLD • Westernized country but not CONUS • Minimize administrative burden • Limiting structure facilitates decompression
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
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.
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
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 )
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.
