Camp Lejeune encourages support for stressed troops

Amanda Gross

The Marines want to emphasize that personal distress is not something to keep inside, which is why Camp Lejeune has established the Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) training program, Marine Corps News reports.

Instead of promoting a "tough" image among Marines, the Corps is now aiming to show that true strength means reaching out for help.

The training aims to teach Marines and sailors about different types of stressors they may face, how to cope with them individually, and who to reach out to if they need help, according to senior chief Christopher Olinger, the regiment's Navy senior enlisted leader, who is a qualified OSCAR instructor.

"OSCAR training helps us better educate ourselves," Olinger told the news outlet. "Before this training service members wouldn’t receive help until days, weeks or months later. We are better educated now, and aware of the problems and stages we go through."

Another instructor, Lieutenant Commander Tim Johns, the chaplain for Combat Logistics regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, supports pushing the training throughout the entire unit. About 80 percent of the regiment has received the training, and Johns is working to get the other 20 percent trained as well.

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