Which of the following is one of the five core leadership functions of COSC?

The identification of 'Mitigate' as one of the five core leadership functions of the Combat Operational Stress Control (COSC) reflects the proactive approach taken by leaders in managing the effects of operational stress on personnel. Mitigation involves identifying potential stressors and implementing strategies to reduce or alleviate them before they escalate into more serious issues. This function is essential for maintaining the well-being of service members, ensuring they remain effective and resilient in challenging environments.

In the context of COSC, mitigate encompasses actions such as providing resources, training, and support to help individuals cope with stressors related to combat and operational duties. By focusing on this function, leaders play a critical role in fostering a healthy work environment and enhancing mission readiness. This is integral to sustaining morale and performance in high-stress situations.

In contrast, the other options, while they may relate to aspects of leadership or team dynamics, do not align with the core functional objectives established within COSC. For instance, encourage, while a positive leadership trait, does not specifically encapsulate the strategic intent behind COSC's framework. Similarly, critique can be constructive but does not embody the preventive and supportive measures inherent in mitigation. Lastly, ignoring stressors is counterproductive and directly opposes the principles of effective leadership