Classification features of return losses of troop personnel: the problem of stress-associated mental disorders in modern military conflicts and emergencies

This study investigates the classification features of “return” losses of the personnel of the troops, specifically focusing on psychiatric profile losses and stress-associated mental disorders in the context of modern military conflicts and emergencies of various natures. The term “return losses” refers to individuals who have regained their combat and work capacity after a temporary loss during military conflicts and are deemed physically fit to resume their functional duties. Additionally, temporarily lost combat and working capacity refers to individuals unable to perform their functional duties for a short period, typically ranging from several minutes to 24 hours. This category includes individuals with stress-associated mental disorders. The research finds that at least 20% of victims in modern military conflicts and emergencies exhibit signs of mental maladaptation within the first day of battle or during the elimination of the medical and sanitary consequences. To address the classification of personnel losses in psychiatric and stress-related cases, as well as the inconsistency in existing terminology, a proposed classification system based on the ability to return to service is presented. Furthermore, new principles have been established to determine the return losses of military personnel, facilitating the provision of adequate and timely assistance for individuals affected by stress-associated mental disorders. The article also outlines medical and psychological correction measures at various levels and elements of first aid for combat stress-induced maladaptive phenomena. Additionally, the study recommends future research on developing a methodology to assess the size and structure of contingents consisting of individuals who temporarily lose their combat and working capacity due to modern enemy weapons during combat operations, as well as in diverse emergency situations.