Soldiers may also elect not to wear a combat patch. Controversies have arisen in recent years over brigade commanders' decisions to ban combat patches in certain situations. This has been done in an effort to make new recruits, who didn't have the patches, feel less excluded.
Cortisol and Stress: How Cortisol Levels Affect the Body. Cortisol and stress are connected and, although stress isn't the only reason for the release of cortisol into the blood stream, it is still known as a stress hormone. Every time that you are confronted with a stressful situation your body undergoes a fight or flight response and cortisol levels increase.
Chronic Stress Can Damage Brain Structure and Connectivity. Chronic stress and high levels of cortisol create long-lasting brain changes. Neuroscientists have discovered how chronic stress and cortisol can damage the brain. A new study reconfirms the importance of maintaining healthy brain structure and connectivity by reducing chronic stress.