Observations from the Sinai: The Boredom Factor

Abstract

This paper discusses the experiences of the first U.S. Army Combat Battalion assigned to the Sinai Multinational Force and Observers. Its leaders were concerned about a number of issues, among them unit cohesion and boredom. Squad level competition was found a major factor in establishing cohesion at the small unit level. Boredom became an issue among the soldiers early in the mission. Close analysis revealed that the major themes relating to boredom most frequently heard were (1) underutilization, (2) cultural deprivation, (3) lack of privacy, and (4) isolation. From the enlisted man's perspective, boredom was a metaphor symbolizing perceived loss of control of one's time and space. The authors make two general observations. First, peacekeeping is a form of low intensity conflict. Stress is due in part to the lack of experience in such an operation. Second, the unit rotation system used by the battalion results in a loss of psychosocial history, and troops are stressed by unmet expectations.