Combat Stress Behaviors
Leaders' Manual for Combat Stress Control
Extracted from FM 22-51

Headquarters
Department of the Army,
Washington, D.C.,
September, 1994

Table of Contents
Chapter 2. Stress and Combat Performance

Section I. Stress Terminology and the Stress Concept

2-1. Introduction

2-2. Understanding of Interactions

2-3. Discussion of Physical Versus Mental Stressors

2-4. Positive Stress

2-5. Relationship of Stress to Task Performance

2-6. Fatigue

2-7. Stages of Adaptation to a Threatening Situation

Section II. Combat Performance and Combat Stress Behaviors

2-8. Phases of Adaptation to Combat

2-9. Combat Stress Behaviors

2-10. Overlapping of Combat Stress Behaviors

2-11. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Chapter 3. Positive Combat Stress Behaviors

3-1. Introduction

3-2. Increased Alertness, Strength, Endurance--Exhilaration

3-3. Gamesmanship and Sportsmanship

3-4. Sense of Eliteness and Desire for Recognition

3-5. Sense of Purpose

3-6. Increased Religious Faith

3-7. Personal Bonding

3-8. Horizontal and Vertical Bonding

3-9. Unit Identity

3-10. Unit Cohesion

3-11. Heroism

3-12. Positive and Misconduct Stress Behaviors--The Double-Edged Sword

Chapter 4. Combat Misconduct Stress Behaviors

4-1. Introduction

4-2. Indications of Potential Misconduct Stress Behaviors

4-3. Behaviors of Primary Concern to Command and the Law of Land Warfare

4-4. The Misconduct Stress Behavior of Opting Not to Take Prisoners

4-5. The Misconduct Stress Behavior of Killing Enemy Prisoners

4-6. The Misconduct Stress Behavior of Mutilating Enemy Dead

4-7. The Misconduct Stress Behaviors of Torturing Prisoners, Using Excessive Force or Brutality, and Killing Animals

4-8. The Misconduct Stress Behaviors of Looting, Pillage, and Rape

4-9. The Misconduct Stress Behavior of Fraternization

4-10. The Misconduct Stress Behavior of Killing Noncombatants

4-11. The Misconduct Stress Behavior of Fighting with Allies or United States Forces

4-12. The Misconduct Stress Behavior of Being Absent Without Leave or Deserting

4-13. The Misconduct Stress Behavior of Refusing to Obey an Order

4-14. The Misconduct Stress Behavior of Threatening to Kill or Killing Unit Leaders or Other Soldiers

4-15. Misconduct Stress Behaviors of Special Concern to the Medical System (Along with Command)

4-16. Malingerers

4-17. Self-Inflicted Wounds

4-18. Drug and Alcohol Abuse

4-19. Factors Which Increase Misconduct Stress Behavior

4-20. Factors Which Protect Against Misconduct Stress Behavior

Chapter 5. Battle Fatigue

5-1. Introduction

5-2. Contributing Factors Which Cause Battle Fatigue

5-3. Signs/Symptoms of Battle Fatigue

5-4. Labeling of Battle Fatigue Cases

5-5. Severity of Symptoms and Response to Treatment

Chapter 6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

6-1. Introduction

6-2. Psychologically Traumatic Events

6-3. Identification and Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder After the War

6-4. Combat Stress Control (Mental Health) Personnel Responsibilities

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