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Home » Under Secretary for Management » Office of Medical Services » Deployment Stress Management Program (DSMP) » High Stress Assignment Outbrief

In order to support our employees returning from challenging assignments ( i.e., High Threat Environments) , the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and M/MED are partnering to offer a one-day High Stress Assignment Outbrief Program, MQ-950, which, is mandatory for all employees serving 90 days or more in Iraq and Afghanistan. Employees who are TDY have the option of attending an Outbrief at their Post or when they transfer to an onward assignment.

While mandatory for all employees completing 90 days or more of service in Iraq or Afghanistan, the program is highly recommended for employees returning from other high stress/high threat posts (i.e., Pakistan, Sudan, and Haiti) as well. Employees of other agencies are welcome to attend MQ-950.

If an employee cannot possibly attend the regularly scheduled group High Stress Assignment Outbrief Program, MQ-950, an individual meeting High Stress Assignment Outbrief - Special Session (MQ-951) can be arranged by coordinating the individuals' schedules directly through the Transition Center or MHS. Employees may also participate in the Outbrief Program with the Health Unit at their onward, non-CONUS assignment.

The Outbrief Program can help you:

1. Understand the challenges of returning from a high stress environment and learn how to share information with your loved ones to ensure the kind of reunion you want and deserve.
2. Identify signs and symptoms of possible psychological reactions, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
3. Locate additional resources if desired.
4. Convey to the State Department the full range of difficulties you encountered.

The Outbrief Program is led by experienced staff from the Mental Health Services (MHS) Office and the Transition Center.

Where:

High Stress Assignment Outbrief Program, MQ-950: at the George Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center (Foreign Service Institute (FSI) Transition Center) in Arlington, VA.

High Stress Assignment Outbrief Program - Special Session, MQ-951: at the Health Unit at their onward, non-CONUS assignment or at the Deployment Stress Management Program (DSMP) offices located in Rosslyn, VA.

How to schedule:

Go to the High Stress Assignment Outbrief Program webpage: http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/hsaop/ for more information or to schedule a group or individual outbrief.

Contact the Foreign Service Institute Transition Center at FSITCOutbrief@state.gov or 703-302-7272.

Contact the Deployment Stress Management Program at MEDDSMP@state.gov or Call 202-663-1903.