Combat and Operational Stress Control (COSC)

Date of Publication:

11/22/2011

Definition:

Programs developed and actions taken by military leadership to prevent, identify, and manage adverse COSRs in units; enhance mission performance; increase individual and unit resilience; conserve fighting strength; prevent or minimize adverse effects of combat stress on members’ physical, psychological, behavioral, and social health; and to return the unit or Service member to duty. In accordance with DoD Instruction 6490.03, COSC activities include continual assessment and consultation to line, medical, and other personnel from garrison to the battlefield regarding physiologic, psychological, and organizational stressors; personnel training about combat stress; traumatic event management; and individual and unit management of COSRs.