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

Abstract

This article is an interdisciplinary publication focusing on the role and development of military psychology in the South African context. Peacekeeping operations and the results of the first and fifth deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are used as background to illustrate the relevance of military psychology in such operations. Peacekeeping operations involve military and often civilian personnel. The nature of peacekeeping operations has become increasingly complex and stressful. It is hypothesised that the stressors that members experience may have a destructive effect on their morale and on the cohesion of the force, and that it could lead to alcohol and drug abuse (Ballone 2000). This article discusses peacekeeping stress theoretically and evaluates the stressors experienced by members of the first and fifth deployment of the SANDF in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The contribution of military psychology in these and other peacekeeping operations in the South African context is also explored. History With the end of World War I, military psychology efforts and interventions ceased as military forces throughout the world demobilised. However, World War II saw the expanded use of military psychologists in leadership development, psychological warfare techniques and in determining the morale and motivation of soldiers (Gal & Mangelsdorff 1991).