A re-entry program for peacekeeping soldiers: Promoting personal and career transition

Headnote

ABSTRACT

A re-entry program for peacekeeping soldiers is described. This program was developed to assist with military personnel's transition back into Canadian society by aiding with their personal and career re-adjustment. Group-based life review and therapeutic enactment counselling interventions are used to identify critical incidents and facilitate the resolution of stress-related reactions soldiers have experienced after a peacekeeping mission. The principle guiding the development of this program is the belief that free from the distraction of these stress reactions and accompanying personal difficulties, soldiers are better able to concentrate on career-building activities. An overview of the program is presented along with a case study to exemplify how the program is applied in practice.

RÉSUMÉ

Cet article décrit un programme de réinsertion sociale destiné aux soldats du maintien de la paix. Ce programme a été mis sur pied pour venir en aide au personnel militaire réintégrant la société canadienne en mettant l'emphase sur le développement personnel et l'orientation professionnelle. La thérapie de groupe et des mises en situation sont employées pour faire un bilan de vie et pour identifier les incidents critiques, ceci afin de faciliter la résorption des réactions au stress éprouvées par les soldats suite aux opérations de maintien de la paix. Le principe directeur de ce programme est le suivant : les soldats sont davantage capables de se concentrer sur les activités de promotion de carrière lorsque les réactions au stress et les difficultés personnelles s'y rattachant n'empêchent plus leur concentration. Une vue d'ensemble de ce programme est présentée ainsi qu'une étude de cas afin de démontrer de quelle façon le programme est appliqué dans la pratique.

The Transition Program for Peacekeeping Soldiers is designed to provide psychological and career support services to military personnel returning from active peacekeeping duty. For returning peacekeeping soldiers, re-entry into civilian life following a peacekeeping tour often begins a period of unexpected transition with associated difficulties related to social and occupational adjustments (Westwood, 1999). Researchers in the field of career and cross-cultural transition refer to "reverse culture shock" when describing the unanticipated adjustment difficulties and unmet expectations by both individuals and significant others following a re-entry experience (Arthur, 2000; Westwood, Lawrence, & Paul, 1986). Although some soldiers manage the feelings of disorientation, anxiety and frustration...