Elizabeth A. Stanley. "Neuroplasticity, Mind Fitness, and Military Effectiveness." Smart Imitates Life: Biologically-Inspired Innovation and National Security. Ed. Mark Drapeau. Washington DC: National Defense University Press, 2010.
This chapter explores the concept of neuroplasticity, how experience changes the brain. It examines some of the ways that “negative” experience – such as stress and trauma – can change the brain in deleterious ways. It also examines some of the ways that “positive” experience – such as mindfulness training – can change the brain in beneficial ways. The third section builds on these ideas to propose ways that mind fitness training could enhance military effectiveness. Specifically, it argues that mind fitness training could improve military effectiveness in six ways, by improving self–regulation, enhancing attention skills, increasing flexibility in awareness and attention, decreasing reactivity, cultivating emotional and social intelligence, and enhancing values clarification and integrity. The article concludes by suggesting ways that mind fitness training could be incorporated into civilian and uniformed professional development in the national security community.
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