אתגרים מנטליים וכושר נפשי בקרב כוחות חבירים בצה"ל

Background: Combat soldiers face a wide variety of mental challenges on the battlefield. Despite the broad common denominator of combat activity, it is worth identifying and mapping distinctive mental challenges which characterize specific combat units in unique missions. In this mixed-methods study we sought after the specific mental challenges of individual augmentees.Methods: The study was conducted in the first half of 2021, in three units: "OKETZ" (dog handlers), "YAHALOM" (special engineering) and the Combat Documentation Squad (photographers). Data was collected from 109 combat soldiers, using seven questionnaires. In addition, focus groups were conducted to examine the functional aspects of their military activities.Results: A qualitative content analysis of the focus group findings revealed 4 main themes relating to individual augmentees' operational functioning: (a) before carrying out the mission, (b) while performing the mission, (c) after completing the mission, (d) an overall sense of meaning versus a sense of burden. A general finding that overarches the four themes was the feeling of loneliness. Quantitative results from the questionnaires point to differences between the three units which are in line with the qualitative analysis.Conclusions: The most demanding mental challenge that the individual augmentee combat soldier faces is the sense of loneliness. This general conclusion expresses the importance of satisfying the basic human need for social belonging, a need that intensifies in life-threatening situations. We propose a few changes in the combat preparation programs of individual augmentee units, as well as in officer training courses for commanders of organic combat units. (From the article)