Empowering Leadership and Well-Being: The Polar Bear Team Leader Academy

At Fort Drum, New York, the Polar Bear Team Leader Academy recently hosted a transformative training session for the noncommissioned officers (NCOs) of the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, part of the esteemed 10th Mountain Division. This innovative program, which took place from August 26 to 29, 2024, aimed to equip leaders with essential skills in fostering overall wellness and resilience among their Soldiers. As members of a unit with a rich history dating back to World War I, the Soldiers of 4-31 Infantry not only honor their legacy but also commit to improving their leadership capabilities.

A Historical Legacy

The nickname “Polar Bears” was earnestly earned by the 31st Infantry Regiment during their deployment in Siberia from 1918 to 1919, where they safeguarded vital supplies and infrastructure during a challenging post-war climate. Today, that legacy survives in the unit’s culture, embodying the essence of resilience and commitment that the Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division strive to emulate in their daily operations.

Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Focus

One of the primary goals of the Polar Bear Team Leader Academy is to embrace the principles of Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F). H2F cultivates an environment that empowers Soldiers to take control of their health—optimizing performance while proactively preventing injury and illness. Capt. James Contessa, an occupational therapist and member of the H2F team, emphasized the significance of incorporating proper sleep, nutrition, and exercise in a Soldier’s routine. Underlining this approach forms the foundation for not just physical readiness, but also mental and emotional well-being.

Leadership Development

Command Sgt. Maj. Levi Kaplan, the senior enlisted advisor of 4-31 Infantry, communicated the critical importance of leadership training through initiatives like the Polar Bear Team Leader Academy. “It helps foster culture innovation,” Kaplan noted. The program encourages leaders to develop a comprehensive framework for addressing challenges facing their Soldiers—ranging from physical training to mental health support.

Through practical activities, NCOs participated in simulations designed to enhance their problem-solving skills. The exercises require group assessments of hypothetical crises faced by Soldiers, allowing them to recommend appropriate support systems and programs to assist their comrades effectively. Such hands-on learning experiences breed camaraderie and strengthen team dynamics.

Mindset Shift: Soldiers First

Emphasizing a paradigm shift in leadership, Spc. Jakob Berlin articulated the necessity of looking beyond mission objectives. “You’ve got to ensure the Soldiers that are under you are well,” he shared, highlighting the importance of caring for Soldiers’ families, finances, and mental health to ensure operational success. This holistic understanding of Soldier care is pivotal in cultivating readiness and resilience within the ranks.

Power of Active Engagement

Moreover, leaders learned the significance of active listening and communication as key components of effective leadership. The training provided crucial insights into recognizing risk factors that can affect Soldiers’ performance and how to utilize resources like the Mountain CARES program, which helps address environmental stressors impacting Soldiers and their families.

Zach Albin, a strength conditioning coach working with H2F, expressed enthusiasm about being part of such an impactful program. “I think it’s awesome that I get to get this many touch points with these team leaders,” he remarked, emphasizing the valuable exchange of knowledge that can ultimately foster a culture of awareness regarding available support systems within the army.

Building a Resilient Future

As the Polar Bear Team Leader Academy concluded, it was evident that the initiative pushes NCOs to elevate their leadership skills and commitment to Soldier welfare. Sgt. Arshpreet Singh summarized the essence of the Academy: “The Polar Bear Team Leader Academy is really pushing all the NCOs to the next level.” This shared ethos aims not just at enhancing immediate performance but also emphasizes the significance of caring for personnel, ensuring that Soldiers can push past their limits and thrive, both personally and professionally.

Through programs like the Polar Bear Team Leader Academy, the Army demonstrates its unwavering commitment to fostering leadership development and enhancing the overall well-being of its Soldiers. This transformative approach will certainly resonate in future operations, ensuring that Soldiers are not only combat-ready but also holistically prepared to meet the demands of their service.