Coping with deployment during peace keeping operations : a narrative perspective by caregivers in the SANDF

Abstract

Since the democratic changes in South Africa in 1994, there have been great expectations of the role that South Africa can play in promoting peace and stability in Africa. South Africa cannot prosper in isolation on a continent which is not at peace with itself. It is in the country‘s national interest to play a role in the prevention of conflict. During my deployment to the Antarctic and in Africa, I asked why some people are better able to cope with deployment and isolation than others. Deployed chaplains provided spiritual, emotional and pastoral support. In their efforts to provide care, they are supported by Social Workers, Healthcare Professionals and Psychologists. For the purpose of this research, they are all referred to as Professional Caregivers. Under the term Caregivers I understand professionally trained people focusing on caring for other people as part of their work. “How do caregivers cope with deployment?” was the question answered by my Co-researchers. In obtaining this data the narrative research paradigm was used. Within the context of Peacekeeping Missions, aspects ranging from military discipline, alcohol misuse, how soldiers cope with the deployment stages, the role of Social Constructionism and how we create our own reality, is considered. Narrative research strives to listen to people‘s stories of how they explain their own understanding of how they coped with deployment. The aim of narrative research is not to bring about change, but to understand their stories. I was interested in learning about the caregivers‘ personal experiences through their own stories. These stories would be documented as part of personal interviews as shared by the caregivers in looking back at their deployment experiences. The term Co-researchers were used in the research process to explain the role and inputs made by the caregivers who shared their stories of coping. The role of faith combined with the knowledge gained from interdisciplinary inputs in coping with deployment is addressed. Caregivers expressed their opinions regarding the lack of support from management as well as possible solutions. Alternative interpretations and outcomes were made by the Co-researchers to explain how they were able to cope.