THE MENTAL OPERATING ENVIRONMENT: SUPPORTING THE DISASTER RESPONSE WORKFORCE

Abstract

Disaster response operations expose incident support responder personnel to psychosocial hazards, including mental fatigue, stress, and sleep deprivation, which can impair both responder well-being and operational performance. This thesis adopts a readiness-oriented approach to mental health and frames the psychological demands of disaster work as a critical policy and organizational design challenge. It investigates the question: Which organizational strategies can mitigate the impact of mental fatigue and stress in disaster response personnel? Drawing on interdisciplinary literature from emergency management, occupational health, and psychology, this thesis analyzes current practices in the disaster response sector and applies Bardach’s eightfold path for policy analysis to evaluate alternative organizational approaches. The thesis finds that implementing “guardrails,” or procedures and best practices that can be used with supervisory guidance and leadership enforcement in specific scenarios, is the appropriate level of organizational action on psychosocial hazards. Empowering incident leaders with adaptable tools like guardrails can sustain workforce readiness while maintaining flexibility to meet the increasingly complex and expanding homeland security mission.Distribution Statement A. Approved for public release: Distribution is unlimited.Civilian, Department of Homeland Securit