Stressors faced by commanders in three operational environments: the Gulf, Bosnia, and Northern Ireland

The findings reported in this chapter are extracted from a series of studies conducted since 1993 by the author and Major General Keith Spacie. These studies have focused on the stressors experienced by senior British Army commanders in three operational environments: the Gulf War, Bosnia—Herzegovina1 (during humanitarian and peace support operations), and Northern Ireland (in preceasefire and non-ceasefire periods). Of interest are the stressors’ effects on decision-making processes and on command effectiveness. By recording the commanders’ experiences in these environments, the problems they encounter, and the methods they use to overcome those problems, we hope to discover ways to improve the practice of command. This research aims to increase understanding of the challenges faced by commanders in different operational context, including the characteristics that commanders need in order to be effective.