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.