Military Leader Perspectives of Psychological Fitness
Abstract
This paper reports on a sub-section of The Military Leaders Survey: NATO Military Leaders' Perspectives on Psychological Support in Operations. It specifically addresses the issue of psychological fitness, which in terms of the survey questionnaire relates to the sections on pre, during, and post-deployment. It was found that in most stages of the deployment cycle education and training to assist in psychological fitness was available to varying degrees for unit members. However, specific support for unit leaders was less prevalent. Assessment of unit readiness was utilised by a number of nations, particularly at the predeployment stage. The Commanding Officer, working in close conjunction with a psychologist, was seen as the key person for assuming responsibility regarding preparing military personnel for operational psychological readiness. Recommendations for further improving mechanisms included the provision of specific, practical, relevant information, particularly targeted at military leaders, and the need to work more closely with an informed and integrated mental health service.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA472682
Entities
People
- Amy B Adler
- Paul Cawkill
Organizations
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory