Which situation can lead a Marine to enter the "orange zone" of the stress continuum?

Prolonged exposure to trauma can lead a Marine to enter the "orange zone" of the stress continuum, which indicates a state of increased stress or distress where individuals may begin to demonstrate signs of difficulty coping with their experiences. In military contexts, this concept reflects the impact of ongoing stressful situations—such as repeated combat exposure, witnessing traumatic events, or dealing with the aftermath of such experiences. When Marines find themselves in situations that continuously challenge their mental and emotional well-being without adequate recovery time or support, they can start to feel overwhelmed, leading to heightened levels of stress that warrant attention.

The "orange zone" signifies that while the individual may still function, they are at risk of moving into more severe levels of stress or even mental health challenges if the situation continues unchecked. Awareness and intervention at this stage are critical to ensure that Marines can recuperate and regain resilience before advancing to more concerning stress levels.