Brief Report

Combat readiness: Perceived influences on willingness to deploy

Published in: Journal of Psychology in Africa
Volume 26 , issue 1 , 2016 , pages: 81–83

DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2015.1124618

Author(s): Zingcwengile Nkewu Department of Industrial Psychology, Faculty of Military Sciences, South Africa , Gideon Van Dyk Department of Industrial Psychology, Faculty of Military Sciences, South Africa

Keywords: combat readiness , deployment , family , leadership , peacekeeping

Download full text Get new issue alerts

Abstract

This study investigated the association between combat readiness and soldiers’ willingness to deploy in operations. Participants were 465 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) (males, 84%). The solders self-reported their perceived combat readiness (PCR) and willingness to deploy (WD) in peace-keeping operations. The correlational analysis results PCR and WD were related with the inclusion of the dimensions support to the family, confidence in self, the team, leaders and training, high morale and esprit de corps. Horizontal and vertical cohesion positively influenced WD, and not unit discipline.

« School adjustment of adolescents affected by HIV and AIDS: A case study

Mindfulness: A foothold for Rogers's humanistic person-centred approach »