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Video by Hannah Covington

Behavioral Health Training for Soldiers - BH-GEAR Story Long Version

Walter Reed Army Institute of Research

March 5, 2024 | 5:10

Dr. Katie Nugent, Military Psychiatry Branch, research psychologist, and Capt. George Mesias, Military Psychiatry Branch, social work researcher, explain the importance of the BH-GEAR training. The Behavioral Health Guidelines for mEdic Assessment and Response training and study, developed by researchers at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, is designed to teach combat medics basic behavioral health skills to Soldiers who are not traditionally train in the field. During the training, Soldiers learn how to assess for behavioral health concerns, offer strategies or interventions, manage risks to safety, determine whether a Soldier requires medical evacuation for behavioral health reasons, and the steps manage the evacuation process. The training consists of instruction, group and pair activities, demonstrations, and role plays, so Soldiers can practice utilizing these skills in realistic scenarios.