Stresses influencing the psychological condition of the Czechoslovak NBC unit in the Persian gulf region, 1990–1991

Abstract

During the 1991 Gulf War, the Czechoslovak Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) unit deployed in the Persian Gulf region faced a wide variety of stresses, ranging from a language barrier to severe logistical problems. This article analyzes the stresses that the unit's soldiers confronted while training for the mission, during the deployment, and after their return to the former Czechoslovakia. The authors pinpoint the many ways in which the Czechoslovak Army's leaders failed their subordinates during all three phases of this military action. Moreover, the authors note that the unit's veterans largely have had to fend for themselves in the years since the Gulf War.