Warfighter Advance developed the Firebase in response to the pandemic, realizing that while bringing people together for our traditional program was a COVID-19 safety risk, not bringing people together for this program was most certainly a safety risk for the warfighters and public safety personnel who were waiting for this essential training. While we have since resumed our normal operations, we realized the value of the Firebase and have retained it as a service we offer to warfighters. The Firebase is a shorter, information based experience that can be brought to you. It will give participants the knowledge and tools they need to move forward and lead confidently. Curriculum includes exposure to

• Fully Informed Consent
• Strategies for remaining fit for duty
• Technologies for stress reduction
• Criticisms of the disease model for trauma
• The role of 12-step programs, spirituality, exercise, nutrition and more
• Why (self) leadership matters
• A panel of survivor/experts

The Firebase is typically held in a hotel conference center. Warfighters place a high value on safety and on taking care of each other, and we will continue these core values at each Firebase. We invite our brothers and sisters from the first responder and public safety communities to reach out if they are interested in attending. As with the Advance 7-Day program, the Firebase training and everything associated with attending is at no cost to the warfighter. To enroll or view the program dates, click on “attend.” 

Vietnam veterans are welcome to enroll in any 7-day or Firebase program. Warfighter Advance does not limit participation in any program to OIF/OEF or any other conflict, operation or specific set of dates.

The ADVANCE 7-Day™ is, at its core, a program that uses a variety of means to change the trajectory of the warfighter’s (active duty or veteran) post-deployment life. This is so that rather than an existence characterized by an endless cycle of mental illness diagnoses, medications, medical appointments and disappointments, the warfighter has a life characterized by pride, productivity, healthy relationships, continued service, and advocacy for these same outcomes for their fellow service members.

Warfighters are asked to arrive with high expectations for themselves and for the program. By week’s end, warfighters have learned that their outcome is their responsibility, while they are no longer bewildered as to how to achieve their desired outcome. In order to achieve this, we support them with the knowledge, tools, relationships and support necessary to move forward as warfighters (past or present), rather than patients.

The ADVANCE 7-Day™ welcomes warfighters who are struggling with what is typically known as “PTSD,” with or without a formal diagnosis. Other post-deployment “mental illness” labels or problems such as anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, anger, and mTBI are also considered. All referrals are self-referrals. No paperwork documenting “mental illness” is required or accepted. The ADVANCE™ welcomes warfighters who have been treated by traditional psychiatric methods, as well as warfighters who have been struggling on their own to reintegrate or deal with their operational traumas. We welcome warfighters who are discouraged because nothing that has been offered to them has helped, as well as those who have self-medication or substance abuse problems. We do not limit enrollment to OIF/OEF or any other conflict, operation, or specific set of dates.