Sharpening the Mind for the Fight: New Training Boosts Sailors' Resilience and Focus

U.S. Navy Sailors and leaders developed cognitive skills to improve focus, resilience and performance under pressure during a Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP)-hosted training initiative, Aug. 20, 2026, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

The training was led by U.S. Naval War College associate professors Dr. Leigh Ann Perry, a clinical and community psychologist who supports Navy leader development in the areas of human behavior, psychological health, cognitive fitness, resilience, and mindfulness; andDr. Lisa Kerr, an educator with expertise in curriculum development, including graduate-level academic programs.

The program teaches Sailors the science of cognitive fitness, providing practical tools to build warfighter resilience in high-stress and high-tempo environments.The training focused on regulated breathing techniques for stress management alongside communication strategies for executive dialogue, teaching Sailors how to respectfully, yet firmly, address workload constraints, task prioritization and operational burnout with command leadership.

“We can't remove the stress and the high tempo,” said Perry. “What we can do is help facilitate ways to deal more effectively when you're in those situations, and when that stress is there, and when the tempo is super hectic.”

Originally launched at the Naval War College in the spring of 2022 for senior leaders, the training expanded to fleet-wide delivery following senior leadership insistence to provide to the fleet.The curriculum is tailored to specific unit needs and emphasizes that mental readiness directly impacts warfighting capability.

“Every Sailor has the ability to train their brain,” said Kerr. “Every single person has the ability to enhance their cognitive fitness so that they can maintain focus in high-stress situations.”

The instructors advocate for treating cognitive conditioning with the same discipline as physical fitness. The ultimate goal is to permanently embed cognitive training into daily Navy command culture to sustain long-term force readiness.

“This isn’t about adding another requirement,” said Perry. “It’s about building a culture where taking care of your mind is just as expected as taking care of your body, because that’s what keeps our force ready.”

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S Pacific Fleet provides personnel, materiel and training to assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests.