SAFEGUARD: Life Skills Training for Soldiers Arriving at Their First Duty Location
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Summary
This project will evaluate the effectiveness of Level Up: Boost Your Life Skills ("Level Up"), a strengths based, military-specific life skills training program. The goal is to determine whether Level Up can decrease suicidal-related behaviors (SRBs) and other harmful behaviors, improve mental health, enhance job performance, and reduce early military separation. The Level Up program components will be made available to participants through an online platform or mobile app that can be downloaded onto their personal mobile devices. These training materials will help Soldiers learn and practice skills. The Level Up program will also involve personalized messages from a Level Up trainer and virtual booster sessions. Soldiers arriving at their first duty location will be randomized to receive either Level Up or a single session Army bystander intervention program. Participants will complete baseline and follow up surveys 1, 3, and 6 months post-baseline.
Description
Suicide remains a leading cause of death among Soldiers, especially those 17-24 years old in their first year of military service. This time is also marked by high rates of other harmful behaviors and of early separation from the Army. The Army invests billions of dollars in recruiting and training, yet many new Soldiers leave the service early or experience serious events like suicidal behaviors. Exposure to situational stressors involving such areas of life as romantic relationships and finances increases risk for suicide and other harmful behaviors. Implementing universal training programs…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Active duty Soldiers arriving at a military installation located in the South Central U.S. for their first duty location who are attending reception center activities Exclusion Criteria: * Soldiers who are not available to attend the in-person training * Soldiers who are under the age of 18 years old * Soldiers who do not have a smart phone that supports installation of the mobile app
Interventions
- BehavioralLevel Up
The Level Up program components include: * A 90-minute live group session during Soldiers' in-processing week at their first duty station * A mobile app/online platform/workbook with brief, interactive self-guided exercises in core skill areas (e.g., managing stress, tactical thinking, healthy relationships) * Personalized coaching via messages from trained Level Up staff during the first month of app use * Virtual booster sessions over one year, focused on practical domains like finances, leadership, promotion tips, and personal relationships
- BehavioralENGAGE
ENGAGE training is a single 90-minute workshop aimed at developing leadership skills and confidence in handling professional and personal confrontations.
Location
- Fort Hood Installation Reception CenterFort Hood, Texas