Stress
Stress manifests in many hues and colors of which the most common include acute stress, episodic acute stress and chronic stress. Symptoms associated with stress comprise of depression, anxiety, burnout and exhaustion. The demands and pressures of events that have taken place lead to stress. The anticipated pressures of future events multiply the severity of stress and its symptoms.
Combat stress reaction
Today, combat and conflict among and between communities, nations and countries has increased.
Stress
Stress manifests in many hues and colors, of which the most common include acute stress, episodic acute stress and chronic stress. Symptoms associated with stress comprise of depression, anxiety, burnout and exhaustion. The demands and pressures of events that have taken place lead to stress. The anticipated pressures of future events multiply the severity of stress and its symptoms.
Combat stress reaction
Today, combat and conflict among and between communities, nations and countries has increased by leaps and bounds. The development of nuclear warheads and missiles has made countries across the world more vulnerable. Combat causes stress which leads to exhaustion and therefore, compromises fighting efficiency.
Stress in Drone Crew
An aerial vehicle without a human operator, which can be controlled remotely, is called a drone. Examples are the Predator and Reaper. Drone crews are responsible for the protection of U.S. ground troops. The crew needs to control the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 24 hours a day, which causes extreme exhaustion. The stress arising from controlling the UAVs day in and day out leaves the crew feeling physically and mentally exhausted. For example, the drone crew can watch ground troops being attacked on screen. Yet, they are helpless to intervene or provide aid as the crew is situated miles away from the actual site of action. They are subject to hours of live video with images of death and destruction, every day. Such lack of control causes stress and a feeling of total helplessness, coupled with exhaustion.
Predator and Reaper Crew Stress Survey
Wayne Chappelle, Amber Salinas and Kent McDonald of USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, conducted a drone crew stress investigation. This was undertaken to determine the impact of remotely patrolling aerial vehicles 24 hours a day, allthrough the year.
600 Predator and Reaper operators including pilots and sensor operators participated in the study. This was conducted to evaluate occupational stress and emotional exhaustion. An equal number of noncombatant airmen were simultaneously studied as a control group. The examination focused on the following sources of stress and exhaustion:
- Long working hours.
- Low staffing levels.
- Shift work.
- Human-machine interface issues.
- Job location.
- Performance incentives.
Results of the stress study
The participants were asked to fill out a demographic questionnaire. The goal was to assess occupational stress and exhaustion levels over three months.
Predator and Reaper Operators
- 340 participants (57.34%) ranged from being “not at all” to “occasionally” stressed.
- 162 participants (27.32%) were stressed.
- 91 participants (15.34%) ranged from being “very” to “extremely” stressed.
Noncombatant control group
- 390 participants (66.21%) ranged from being “not at all” to “occasionally” stressed.
- 125 participants (21.22%) were stressed.
- 73 participants (12.40%) from being “very” to “extremely” stressed.
Take a stress test
Don’t fall prey to the hazards of stress and exhaustion. If you want to know how high your stress level is and how to reduce stress, try this easy and quick self-help program.
Conclusion of stress study
It was thus concluded that the emotional exhaustion and levels of occupational stress among the drone crew is a cause for concern. The resulting burnout and anxiety could cause a mishap or mission failure.
The development of nuclear warheads and missiles has made countries across the world more vulnerable. Combat causes stress. This leads to exhaustion and therefore, compromises fighting efficiency.
Stress in Drone Crew
An aerial vehicle without a human operator, which can be controlled remotely, is called a drone. Examples are the Predator and Reaper. Drone crews are responsible for the protection of U.S. ground troops. The crew needs to control the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) 24 hours a day. This causes extreme exhaustion. The stress arising from controlling it day in and day out leaves the crew feeling physically and mentally exhausted. For example, the drone crew can watch ground troops being attacked on screen. Yet, they are helpless to intervene or provide aid as the crew is situated miles away from the actual site of action. They are subject to hours of live video with images of death and destruction, every day. Such lack of control causes stress and a feeling of total helplessness, coupled with exhaustion.
Predator and Reaper Crew Stress Survey
Wayne Chappelle, Amber Salinas and Kent McDonald of USAF School of Aerospace Medicine conducted a drone crew stress investigation. This was undertaken to determine the impact of remotely patrolling aerial vehicles 24 hours a day, all through the year.
600 Predator and Reaper operators including pilots and sensor operators, participated in the study to evaluate occupational stress and emotional exhaustion. An equal number of noncombatant airmen were simultaneously studied as a control group. The examination focused on the following sources of stress and exhaustion:
- Long working hours.
- Low staffing levels.
- Shift work.
- Human-machine interface issues.
- Job location.
- Performance incentives.
Results of the stress study
The participants were asked to fill up a demographic questionnaire. The goal was to assess occupational stress and exhaustion levels over three months.
Predator and Reaper Operators
- 340 participants (57.34%) ranged from being “not at all” to “occasionally” stressed.
- 162 participants (27.32%) were stressed.
- 91 participants (15.34%) ranged from being “very” to “extremely” stressed.
Noncombatant control group
- 390 participants (66.21%) ranged from being “not at all” to “occasionally” stressed.
- 125 participants (21.22%) were stressed.
- 73 participants (12.40%) from being “very” to “extremely” stressed.
Take a stress test
Don’t fall prey to the hazards of stress and exhaustion. If you want to know where you stand as far as your stress levels are concerned, try out this easy and quick self-help program.
Conclusion of stress study
It was thus concluded that the emotional exhaustion and levels of occupational stress among the drone crew is a cause for concern. The resulting burnout and anxiety could cause a mishap or mission failure.
