I__. - International Military Testing Association

. Every year these offices give psychological (psychotherapeutic)
aid to some 5,000 soldiers. Sometimes the problems are
simple, and can be solved simply by advising a transfer. Sometimes,
however, the problems are related to psychologically more complex
matters involving alcohol, drug and gambling addiction, family problems
and individual dysfunctioning. A number of these problems stems from
traumatic service experiences, accidents, shooting incidents and the
delayed effects of PTSD or battle stress.
C. By virtue of this very experience, the psychologists from these offices
are exceptionally well deployable in the battle stress recovery units I
described earlier.
The integration of women in the RNLA
a. As most of you are probably aware, all posts in the Netherlands armed
forces have in principle been accessible to women since 1978 (including
combat duties).
I need hardly remind you that this does not mean there are no problems
involved with the integration - on the contrary, there are.
b. Some of these problems are obviously caused by the
differences in physical strength and [powers of?] endurance between men
and women.
These facts are generally accepted, and are therefore open to discussion.
Moreover, as is the case in the Royal Netherlands Army, effective
policy measures can be
implemented to cope with these differences.
Allow me to give you an illustration. All military posts are classified
according to physical demand.
A method has been developed which measures physical strength in men and
women. Because the job requirements for men and women are the same in
principle, this results in there being relatively few women in physically
demanding posts.
C. One particular problem is that few women are prepared to enter into
long-term contracts. This was one of the reasons for our making all
conscript posts - in principle - accessible to women.
For many this was a way of getting to know the RNLA. For some this has
already led to a job with the regular personnel.
d. Measures have been implemented which until recently were highly
controversial: parental leave has been introduced (for both men and
women), day-care centres have been set up, part-time work has been
introduced for soldiers, and women now have the opportunity (after a
certain time) to return to the RNLA in order to resume a military
career interrupted by parental duties.
Officers from the psychological and social service have played a
significant role in the implementation of all these measures.
I myself have been very closely involved, as I am chairman of the
working group responsible for the preparations for the integration of
women (and also that of ethnic groups).
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