THE ROLE OF MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY IN PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS: THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE AS AN EXAMPLE

• Main Author: G.A.J. Van Dyk
• Format: Article
• Language: Afrikaans
• Published: Stellenbosch University 2011-08-01
• Series: Scientia Militaria
• Online Access: http://scientiamilitaria.journals.ac.za/pub/article/view/62

This article is an interdisciplinary publication focusing on the role and<br />development of military psychology in the South African context. Peacekeeping<br />operations and the results of the first and fifth deployment of the South African<br />National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are<br />used as background to illustrate the relevance of military psychology in such<br />operations. Peacekeeping operations involve military and often civilian personnel.<br />The nature of peacekeeping operations has become increasingly complex and<br />stressful. It is hypothesised that the stressors that members experience may have a<br />destructive effect on their morale and on the cohesion of the force, and that it could<br />lead to alcohol and drug abuse (Ballone 2000).<br />This article discusses peacekeeping stress theoretically and evaluates the<br />stressors experienced by members of the first and fifth deployment of the SANDF in<br />the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The contribution of military psychology<br />in these and other peacekeeping operations in the South African context is also<br />explored.