Military Personnels' Experience of Deployment: An Exploration of Psychological Trauma, Protective Influences, and Resilience

Clinical Impact Statement Whilst a depth of research has been completed with large global actors such as the UK armed forces and the American military, there has been a dearth of work focusing on the peacekeeper orientated organisations such as the Irish defence forces. The findings of this research highlight the processes that can foster and galvanise or degrade an individual's resilience and ability to overcome stressful challenges. We discovered that these factors are operating at the personal, interpersonal, and wider institutional level. This foundational work provides the basis for further research into the military peacekeeper and humanitarian domain. Background: Military personnel are at a heightened risk of being exposed to potentially traumatic incidents in the line of duty. Evidence would suggest that the risk of developing psychological trauma and/or PTSD after a traumatic event is predicted by the interaction of pre-trauma, peri-trauma and post-trauma risk and protective factors. Objective: This research will explore military personnels' experience of potentially traumatic events while deployed. In particular, the research aims to gain an understanding of both protective and risk factors which influence personnels' experience of potentially traumatic events. Method: One to one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 members of the Irish Defence Forces. We conducted a thematic analysis in line with the recommendations provided by Braun & Clarke 2006. Results: There was a wide variety of potentially traumatic events experienced by participants, ranging from stressful naval migrant rescues to armed standoffs. Aside from more pointed events, chronic stress was reported to negatively affect personal resilience while factors such as positive mindset and a belief in the mission had a galvanizing effect. Both the family back home and the "military family" were reported to provide sources of comfort and support, while at times being a source of significant stress. The organisational context of the military, including training and formal psychological supports was viewed with mixed opinions by our participants. Conclusions: The findings of this research illuminate the unique stress and strains faced by Irish military personnel at pre, peri and post deployment. The results highlight the need for effective predeployment resilience building programmes to equip personnel with the tools to deal with traumatic events. This foundational work provides the basis for further research into the military peacekeeper and humanitarian domain.