2003 IMTA Proceedings - International Military Testing Association

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The factors applied in the model are explained below. At the end of each description, several
examples are given from the morale questionnaire. Finally in this section the scale reliability
(Cronbach’s α) and the factor analysis are presented.
The items may be answered by the respondents using a five-point scale (from totally disagree
(1) to totally agree (5)).
Individual aspects
Trust
A great deal of attention in the morale questionnaire is devoted to trust. It involves trust in:
oneself, colleagues, arms and equipment, leaders and the presence of adjacent and support
units. Trusting and being trusted promotes dedication and discipline and helps military
personnel to function well under difficult conditions. Trust in one’s own talents within a
specific situation or operational conditions requires that one knows the objective and the role
one plays within that situation. One needs to have confidence in his capacity to be able to
carry out the tasks. Furthermore, it also concerns trust in the skills and willingness of the
group members to protect each other in operational conditions.
It is also important for a high morale that military personnel have confidence in the logistic
and combat-support units. In general, military personnel will be prepared to expose
themselves to danger when they are convinced that medical care will be effective if they get
wounded, and the same applies for counseling and treatment of combat stress. Furthermore,
they must be confident that defects are repaired as quickly as possible and food, fuel and
ammunition supply is guaranteed.
Examples of items:
- I pay an important contribution to the success of my group.
- I think my platoon will perform well in combat situations.
- The equipment used by my group is up to its task.
- I think we will receive sufficient support in our tasks from logistic units.
Home front support
Morale is strongly influenced by the extent to which military personnel are concerned about
the situation at home. Concern about the relationship between the home front and work is
closely linked to the degree of self-confidence, the reduction of uncertainty, level of fear and
motivation. This factor includes the assessment of survival chances by military personnel and
worry about those family members left behind and vice versa.
Limited opportunities for communication with the home front in particular may cause
isolation and frustration. Separation from family and not being able to help if things go wrong
at home is generally perceived as stressful. Military personnel must be able to start missions
with their minds at ease, free from cares and problems, which negatively influence morale.
Concern about the home front comprises the care, which the military personnel wish to give
to the home front and the fear that something might happen to the home front. On the other
hand, this factor implies the fact that the soldiers have to feel supported by their home front in
what they are doing. If they do not feel supported they feel they have to choose between the
army and the home front.
Examples of items:
45 th Annual Conference of the International Military Testing Association
Pensacola, Florida, 3-6 November 2003