Psychological Issues in Peacekeeping Contingency Operations

While much is known about soldier stress and adaptation in more conventional military operations, the U.S. military has little experience with United Nations-led peacekeeping missions. How combat-trained units and soldiers adapt to this new role is of critical importance to U.S. ability to contribute positively to such operations. Since October of 1992, as part of Operation Provide Promise, the U.S. Army in Europe has provided medical care for the 25, 000 UNPROFOR (United Nations Protection Forces) soldiers located in the former Yugoslavia. Using a longitudinal approach and multiple methods, the present research identifies the key sources of stress before, during, and after the 6- month deployment, assesses the impact of these stressors on soldier health and morale.