Reservists in a postconflict zone: deployment stressors and the deployment experience
Geoffrey J Orme1, E James Kehoe2
1PO Box 223, Concord West, NSW 2138, Australia.
Military Medicine
|February 5, 2014
Summary
Australian Army reservists in the Solomon Islands reported mostly positive peacekeeping experiences. Work-related stressors, not operational conditions, were the primary challenges during deployment.
Area of Science:
- Military psychology
- Occupational health
- Postconflict studies
Background:
- Personnel in postconflict zones face chronic stress from isolation, separation, and harsh conditions.
- Interpersonal and intra-organizational issues are common in all work settings, including deployed environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey Australian Army reservists on their experiences during and after peacekeeping in the Solomon Islands.
- To identify the primary sources of stress and factors influencing deployment experiences.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 350 Australian Army reservists.
- Data collected during and after deployment to the Solomon Islands.
Main Results:
- 66% of respondents reported a positive deployment experience.
- 16% reported neutral, and 17% reported negative experiences.
- Work-related stressors were more prevalent than separation or environmental factors.
Conclusions:
- Deployment experiences are significantly influenced by work-related factors.
- Leadership and organizational justice play a crucial role in the well-being of deployed personnel.
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