The Effects of REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) Exercise Participation on Soldiers' Attitudes

Abstract

Thousands of DOD personnel annually participate in REFORGER (REturn of FORces to GERmany) exercises along with other NATO Allies. Pre and post REFORGER Unit Status Questionnaires, similar to surveys utilized by Israeli Defense Force (IDF) battle psychologists, were administered to two hundred and fifty two soldiers in an armored cavalry squadron which participated in REFORGER '83, Exercise Confident Enterprise. Analysis focused on determining the effects of the unit's participation in REFORGER. A factor analysis of both the pre and post REFORGER Unit Status Questionnaires yielded a set of five factors: View of the Unit; Unit Communication; Self-Evaluation; Evaluation of the Enemy, and Individual Morale. Participation in REFORGER had no significant effect on any of these factors. However, further analysis revealed that there were significant differences between certain groups on a number of dimensions such as previous REFORGER participation; type of MOS; pay grade, and unit. Implications for unit training and for the utilization of mental health personnel in combat are examined.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADP003260

Entities

People

  • D. J. Grill

Organizations

  • William Beaumont Army Medical Center

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Analysis Of Variance
  • Battles
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Combat Readiness
  • Department Of Defense
  • Factor Analysis
  • Health
  • Mental Health
  • Military Occupational Specialties
  • Officer Personnel
  • Personnel Management
  • Questionnaires
  • Squadrons
  • Surveys
  • Test And Evaluation
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Exercise and Sports Science.
  • Military Science
  • Psychological Intervention/Treatment for Stress, Anxiety, PTSD, and Related Emotional and Cognitive Health Symptoms.