Psychological preparation for shooting under conditions of combat stress

The article explores the theoretical and practical aspects of psychological preparation for shooting under combat stress. Particular attention is paid to the impact of extreme stressors on the effectiveness of combat actions, such as decreased concentration, impaired motor coordination, and a general decline in the functional readiness for accurate shooting. The author analyzes current methods for increasing stress resilience, including psychological training sessions, breathing techniques, simulation of extreme scenarios, and biofeedback applications. The role of instructors, tactical psychologists, and personalized training programs aimed at developing psychophysiological endurance and maintaining combat performance in high-stress situations is emphasized. The article also provides practical recommendations for improving the psychological support system within units. Special focus is placed on the interdisciplinary approach to developing combat endurance: integrating psychological, pedagogical, and physiological components enables effective adaptation of soldiers to extreme conditions and minimizes the negative effects of combat stress. It was determined that combat stress is a powerful destabilizing factor that significantly affects the psychophysiological state of a fighter, reduces shooting accuracy, slows down the reaction and complicates decision-making in a dynamic combat environment. The study analyzed the key psychological mechanisms that are activated during a combat encounter, in particular the reactions of fear, anxiety, panic, and the impact of these states on the motor and cognitive functions of the shooter. The practical value of the study lies in the development of a set of recommendations for the implementation of psychological training for shooting in the combat training programs of personnel. The results obtained can be used in the training system of units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, territorial defense forces, as well as in the training of employees of special units of law enforcement agencies. Also, the presented recommendations can be useful for both combat training instructors and psychology specialists in the development of training and rehabilitation programs.