What is a common misconception about stress in the military?

A common misconception about stress in the military is that all stress is harmful and needs to be eliminated. This belief overlooks the complexity of stress and its varying effects on individuals. In fact, stress can be categorized into eustress (positive stress) and distress (negative stress). Eustress can enhance performance, motivation, and resilience, particularly in high-pressure environments like the military.

Understanding that some levels of stress can be beneficial helps leaders and service members to manage stress more effectively. Rather than aiming to completely eliminate stress, which is both impractical and potentially detrimental, it is crucial to develop coping strategies and resilience training that allows individuals to thrive amidst challenging situations. The focus should be on managing stress and recognizing its dual nature, rather than perceiving it solely as a negative force that must be eradicated.