Evaluation of a third-location decompression program for Canadian Forces members returning from Afghanistan
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Published on: November 29, 2024
Bryan G Garber1, Mark A Zamorski
1Deployment Health Section, Canadian Forces Health Services Group Headquarters, 1745 Alta Vista Dr., Ottawa, ON K1A 0K6, Canada.
Background:
Service members returning from combat can experience difficulty adapting to home life. To help ease this transition, the Canadian Forces provides a Third-location Decompression (TLD) program in Cyprus to members returning from deployment to Afghanistan.
Methods:
The 5-day program consists of individual free time, structured recreational activities, and educational programming. Its perceived value and impact were measured immediately afterward and 4 to 6 months later.
Results:
Respondents overwhelmingly supported the TLD concept, with 95% agreeing that "some form of TLD is a good idea." Eighty-one percent of participants found the program valuable, and 83% recommended it for future deployments to Afghanistan. Perceived value persisted 4 to 6 months after return, and 74% felt that it helped to make reintegration easier for them.
Conclusion:
Canadian Forces members saw value in the TLD program, and most members believed that the program had its intended effect of making the reintegration process easier for them.
