Abstract

DONOSO-RODRIGUEZ, D. Expectations and realities of military operations. Psychological consequences. Sanid. Mil. [online]. 2021, vol.77, n.4, pp.223-228.  Epub May 09, 2022. ISSN 1887-8571.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/s1887-857120210004000010.

In last decades, Spanish participation in military missions abroad has had a fundamental role on security and defence policy. It has also been a way of exercising our international presence and influence. Many of these so-called peace missions involve a change of aim with respect to the traditional ones of militia, highlighting specific values and skills, and demanding expectations, both from soldiers and society, as adjusted as possible to the reality of the military missions, be it in combat or in peacetime.

Inconsistencies between expectations and realities in military missions can lead to psychological problems. To minimize these consequences, actions by commanders are required (before, during and after deployments). Among them are psychological preparation, social and family support, effective leadership, communication skills, and associated stigma decreased.

Keywords : Psychological preparation; expectations; stigma; combat stress; operational stress.

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