Psychological rehabilitation of veterans involving weapons training

Abstract

The article addresses the issue of psychological rehabilitation of combat veterans in the context of prolonged armed conflict and the growing number of individuals who have experienced war-related psychological trauma. Special attention is given to the use of weapon-based training as a supportive rehabilitative tool within a comprehensive system of psychological assistance. The main psychological consequences of combat experience are analyzed, including post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic anxiety, emotional instability, aggression, impaired self-regulation, and difficulties in veterans’ social adaptation to civilian life. The relevance of implementing controlled weapon-based training in the rehabilitation process is substantiated as a means of restoring a sense of personal control, inner balance, and confidence in one’s actions. The psychological mechanisms underlying the positive impact of such training are identified, including somatic regulation, reduction of psycho-emotional tension, transformation of destructive aggression into socially acceptable forms, and restoration of professional and personal identity of veterans. Emphasis is placed on the importance of adhering to safety principles, voluntary participation, an individual approach, and mandatory professional supervision by psychologists and certified instructors. It is concluded that weapon-based training can serve as an effective supplementary component of psychological rehabilitation for veterans when integrated with traditional psychotherapeutic methods.