Steve Gaskell

A Call to Arms: The Cateran Yomp, 5 and 20s, and the Fight for Mental Health Resilience

The Cateran Yomp is not just a challenge of endurance; it is a testament to resilience, camaraderie, and the unwavering commitment to those who serve. As I take on this gruelling trek in support of the Army Benevolent Fund, I do so with a deep-rooted sense of purpose, one that ties back to my years of service and the critical need for heightened awareness around mental health resilience within the armed forces. The journey ahead is not just about covering miles; it is about igniting conversations, breaking stigmas, and reinforcing a fundamental principle that every service member, veteran, and their families must embrace: the concept of 5 and 20s.

5 and 20s: A Tactical Approach to Mental Health

During my military career, the 5 and 20s became second nature. It was a drill designed to keep us alive in the face of hidden threats, particularly Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The procedure was simple but lifesaving: check five meters around you, then extend your awareness to 20 meters. This routine became an essential part of operational safety, an instinctual response ingrained into every movement in high-threat environments.

However, what many fail to recognise is that this very principle can be applied to mental health. Just as we scan our physical surroundings for potential dangers, we must also conduct a mental 5 and 20s, checking in on ourselves and those around us.

Your 5-Meter Check: Self-Awareness and Personal Resilience.

• Take a moment each day to assess your mental state.

• Recognise triggers, stressors, and moments of emotional struggle.

• Engage in daily habits that reinforce your mental armour, whether it’s exercise, mindfulness, or simply taking time to breathe.

• Understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to strength.

Your 20-Meter Check: Looking Out for Others

• Observe changes in behaviour among your comrades and peers.

• Initiate conversations; sometimes, a simple ‘Are you okay?’ can be the intervention that prevents tragedy.

• Foster environments where discussing mental health is as routine as discussing physical fitness.

• Know where to direct someone for professional help, and be prepared to walk that journey with them if needed.

Why This Matters Now

The transition from military to civilian life can be as daunting as any battlefield. For many, the camaraderie and structured purpose of service give way to isolation and uncertainty. The need for mental health resilience is greater than ever. We have lost too many brothers and sisters to the silent battle waged in mind; lives that might have been saved had someone taken a moment to do a 5 and 20s.

I know this fight personally. I have seen the cost of silence. I have lost friends who felt there was no way forward. That is why I wrote “5 and 20s Buddy Buddy: A Practical Guide to Mental Health Resilience” to provide service members, veterans, and their families with a tactical approach to navigating the unseen threats of mental distress. It is not just a book; it is a mission.

The Cateran Yomp: Marching for Those Who Served

As I embark on the Cateran Yomp, I carry more than just a pack. I carry the memory of those we have lost. I carry the weight of a cause that demands action. This event is about more than raising funds for the Army Benevolent Fund; it is about standing shoulder to shoulder with those who have served, ensuring they are never left behind in their battles with mental health.

Every step I take will be a step towards greater awareness. Every blister, every ache (and there will be lots!), and every moment of exhaustion will be a reminder of why this fight matters. For those struggling with mental health, every day can feel like a yomp through unknown terrain, one that requires endurance, support, and, above all, the knowledge that they are not alone.

A Call to Action: Your 5 and 20 Starts Now

You don’t have to march 54 miles to make an impact. You need to take action.

• Check in on yourself. Take a pause and assess how you are doing. Reach out if you need support.

• Check in on your mates. Don’t assume silence means everything is fine. Make the call, send the message, and start the conversation.

• Raise awareness. Share the concept of 5 and 20s within your networks. Make mental health a priority in every discussion.

• Support organisations doing the work. Whether it’s the Army Benevolent Fund, a veteran support network, or a local mental health initiative, get involved.

The fight for mental health resilience is one we must all be part of. As I take on the Cateran Yomp, I do so knowing that this challenge is a small price to pay if it means one more life saved, one more conversation started, one more person knowing they are not alone.

So I ask you now: Have you done your 5 and 20s today?

Steve Gaskell is a former service member, high-performance coach, and author of “5 and 20s: A Practical Guide to Mental Health Resilience.” He continues to advocate for military mental health awareness and support initiatives for veterans and active-duty personnel.