The Psychological Readiness Model of Military Personnel to Take Risks during a Combat Deployment

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present an empirically-derived psychological readiness model of military personnel to take risks during combat deployment. The model was developed using the methods of semantic differential, peer review, and factor analysis. Its theoretical basis is the concept of “hardiness”. The study involved 104 military personnel of the National Guard of Ukraine had combat experience in the War in Eastern Ukraine. The model includes four components: “Ability for volitional efforts (mobilization)”, “Military brotherhood”, “Professional identity”, “Self-control (endurance)”. Their content covers the emotional-volitional, cognitive, motivational, moral, active-practical, existential-being, and interpersonal-social spheres of the individual. The leading role in the model belongs to strong-willed features, combat cohesion, patriotism, and adaptive resources of the individual, which make it possible to maintain the effectiveness of military personnel’s combat activities under conditions of risk. The basis of the psychological readiness of military personnel to actively act and overcome difficulties in conditions of risk (uncertainty, direct threat to health and life) with the absence of reliable guarantees for success is hardiness. It is suggested that the model can be used for psychological selection procedures, professional and psychological training of military personnel, predicting their behavior under conditions of risk, and developing strategies for psychological support in the post-deployment period. This will reduce psychogenic losses during hostilities.

Psycho-Emotional State of Ukrainian Soldiers Before Going to the Frontline

“…In addition, the surveyed service members have a low degree of rigidity, indicating their sufficient flexibility and good tendency to adapt against the background of events or changes in the environment. These results can be explained with the help of the study by Prykhodko et al (2021), according to which the adaptability of military personnel in the performance of their duties is developed against the background of their strong-willed qualities and high level of patriotism. At the same time, the survey has shown that Ukrainian service members demonstrate a high degree of aggression, and these data are unique in light of the research literature already reviewed.…”

“…The authors have also found that the reasons for the military leaving the service may be their disappointment in their actions or a feeling of fatigue. In turn, the article by Prykhodko et al (2021) considers aspects of the psychological readiness of the Ukrainian military personnel in more detail. The study focuses on military personnel who have already had experience in combat operations in eastern Ukraine since 2014.…”

Cognitive Readiness of Military Personnel: Issues and Considerations for Malaysian Army

“…Table II illustrates the relevant studies of CR. To excel in the new environment of modern operation, Prykhodko et al, (2021) explained that military personnel can think critically, make sound decisions under pressure, and work effectively by applying their training to real-world work environments. The development of cognitive readiness is an essential aspect of preparing military personnel readiness begins when someone joins military service, either as a cadet (officer) or a recruit (enlisted personnel).…”

A Review on Issue and Consideration of Military Personnel Cognitive Readiness for Malaysian Army

“…In real-world modern operations, military personnel often face unpredictable situations and the need to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances in the work environment of military operations (Hoffman, 2021;Townsend, 2018). Ability to think critically, make sound decisions under pressure and work effectively to excel in the demanding environment of modern military operations by applying their training to real-world work environments through valuable experience and practical skill development that enhance cognitive readiness (Prykhodko et al, 2021;Rao et al,2020a;Rao et al, 2020b). This continuous growth and adaptability ensure that military personnel readiness is better prepared to succeed in the mission objective of military operations through effective leadership at strategic, operational, and tactical levels within military organizations.…”