Battle fatigue identification and management for military medical students.

Battle fatigue, a temporary response to the stress of combat capable of reducing the fighting force by 10% to 50%, is an inevitable consequence of military conflict. Effective application of established preventive and management techniques by line and medical corps personnel can turn this "force reducer" into a "force multiplier," returning 80% or more of these seasoned troops to their original units within 72 hours. The proper management of battle fatigue is an essential readiness element in the medical support mission. The "Battle Fatigue Identification and Management" course prepares future military medical officers for this important contingency role.