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Strategic resilience in an adaptive SERE & H.E.A.T. course - an explorative study of human performance and resilience
Sabrina Ziehr1,2, Philipp Hans Merkt1,2
1Department of Disaster Prevention and Crisis Management (bzgk.de), Research and Education Center for Extraordinary Tactical Situations and Strategic Resilience (18_RECESS), University of Applied Sciences gem. Trägergesellschaft, Idstein, Germany.
Objectives:
The current study aims to evaluate the fitting accuracy of the Model of Strategic Resilience (Merkt and Ziehr) in relation to a specific SERE and H.E.A.T. scenario in Germany using the course "Überleben Land - HEAT (18E)" as a case study.
Methods:
Psychosocial, cognitive, and physical data of six participants were collected. These were distance, pace, and heart rate, tracked by chest straps and multifunctional watches. To evaluate psychosocial and cognitive data, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted, supplemented with a short questionnaire during the escape phase. The evaluation was carried out by triangulating the collected data.
Results:
The participants describe challenges in their human performance concerning all three categories of the Model of Strategic Resilience. In addition, resources are mentioned, especially for the psycho-emotional and cognitive sectors, that allow the participants to accomplish the scenario. Particularly, they highlight the harmonious atmosphere in the group, the rational assessment of the situation, and the usefulness of acquired knowledge and skills.
Conclusion:
The current study shows that the Model of Strategic Resilience is a useful tool to detect physical, cognitive, and psychological parameters of human performance, and to identify resources and strategies that address resilience in different courses, such as H.E.A.T., SERE, or the German Commando Course.
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