iCOVER Training Video

Research from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) shows that it is not unusual for Soldiers to encounter teammates experiencing an acute stress reaction during combat. In one survey, for example, 45% of Soldiers reported witnessing a team member exhibit so much stress that the individual was unable to function for a period of time. During high-intensity conflicts, acute stress reactions have the potential to compromise unit effectiveness. WRAIR is testing a solution: iCOVER. iCOVER is a rapid peer-to-peer intervention for service members to use when managing symptoms of acute stress reaction in team members. The WRAIR developed iCOVER based on an original procedure created by the Israel Defense Forces. Named for its six steps (Identify buddy in need, Connect, Offer commitment, Verify facts, Establish order of events, and Request action), iCOVER can be performed by individuals in far-forward environments to help team members manage acute stress and maximize human potential in sm