Social Psychological Issues in the Adaptation of a US Army Unit to the UNPROFOR Mission
Abstract
Peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance missions are increasing in frequency and importance in the post-Cold War era. The U.S. military is currently participating in major UN peacekeeping operations in Somalia (Operation Restore Hope) and the former Yugoslavia (Operation Provide Promise). While much is known about soldier stress and adaptation in more conventional military operations, the U.S. military has little experience with peacekeeping missions. How combat-trained units and soldiers adapt to this new role is of critical importance to U.S. ability to contribute positively to such operations, to soldier health and well-being, and to military readiness of U.S. forces. Since October 1992, the U.S. Army in Europe has provided medical care for the 25,000 UNPROFOR (United Nations Protection Forces) soldiers located in the former Yugoslavia. The U.S. Army Medical Research Unit-Europe is conducting human dimensions research on soldier and family coping and adaptation in the medical and support units currently deployed in Croatia. Using a longitudinal approach, the research aims to identify and describe the key sources of stress before, during, and after the 6-month deployment. This project provides a model for conducting human dimensions research in military units deployed on contingency operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA286475
Entities
People
- Amy B. Adlon
- Mark A. Vaitkus
- Paul T. Bartons
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research