A Qualitative Study of Swedish Specialized Boarding Element Members’ Human Actions in Situations Perceived as New and/or Stressful after Participating in Long-Term Naval Hostile Deployment

Anders Jonsson,Lars Lundberg,Marie Hindorf

doi:10.31374/sjms.45

Abstract

Background: Sweden has been part of Operation Atalanta four times since 2009. Being part of an international naval deployment means acting in a substantially different context and environment. The Swedish Armed Forces leadership training includes the use of Wheelan’s IMGD model, whereby trust is a significant part of group dynamics. Materials and Methods: Interviews took place after deployment when the respondents had been back in Sweden for 8 months. The constant comparative analysis method according to Glaser was used to answer the aim of the study. Results: Trust was seen as the core of the interviews and was based on three categories: leadership, preparedness and endurance. Discussion: The core category trust, and the lack of trust, may be a result of poor preparedness. The respondents expressed that they felt safe and secure within their own group. The “us and them” mentality was an important finding, and the cause should be examined more closely to increase trust and team spirit. Conclusion: The Swedish Navy could benefit from improvement in education, team building and pre-deployment training to increase trust and the level of readiness and to reduce stress.

Highlights

Since the beginning of 2000, pirate activities have been a huge threat to boats and ships around the Gulf of Aden
The European Union (EU) naval force (NAVFOR) implemented Operation Atalanta, and on 24 November 2016, the Council of the EU extended the mandate of Operation Atalanta until December 2018
The respondents referred to trust and tasks as seen below: We were well trained in the team, and had good knowledge about our tasks... and very well united in our own group; we trust each other, we all trust each member’s ability to solve their tasks given

Summary

Introduction

Since the beginning of 2000, pirate activities have been a huge threat to boats and ships around the Gulf of Aden. To protect ships of importance, EUNAVFOR has authorization to place special security forces onboard naval military vessels (EU NAVFOR 2017). The ship has to follow parts of the NATO Allied Maritime Interdiction Operations (ATP-71). During the latter part of 2012, the need for education before deployment was demonstrated with support from NATO checklists (Hällje 2012). The Swedish Armed Forces leadership training includes the use of Wheelan’s IMGD model, whereby trust is a significant part of group dynamics. Conclusion: The Swedish Navy could benefit from improvement in education, team building and pre-deployment training to increase trust and the level of readiness and to reduce stress

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Discussion

Conclusion