Page 49 - JSOM Fall 2018

First, all data were read several times to get a sense of the whole. took part in physical training almost every day in the gym; they
Data were read word by word and specific words from the text ran or performed other fitness training during the long­term op­
that seemed to capture key thoughts were highlighted. Various eration. The notes revealed that the participants took part in a
statements from the participants about the different influences number of other activities during the 4­month duty overseas.
onboard the ship were identified. Then, notes on initial thoughts Some of the activities were connected to daily routines (e.g.,
from the data were made and, at this stage, preliminary labels cleaning, meetings, administration, eating) and others dealt with
of codes became apparent. Coding was used as a bridge to fill the everyday life onboard (e.g., watching movies, either alone in
the gap between the text and the reader. Codes were then or­ the cabin or with others; playing cards, Monopoly, or television
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ganized in different categories before further data analysis was games; listening to music or singing; reading; or studying).
done. The categories were used to group codes into clusters. The
last step of the analysis was to develop definitions for each code, Bad Weather, Heavy Pitch and Roll,
category, and cluster, which was done by discussions within the Trouble Sleeping
research group. To report the findings, examples from each cat­
egory and code were identified from the data. The category “ability to handle physical and mental strain”
was about acting professionally and being able to master
In this study, the research question “what are the experiences different situations by finding a balance between action and
from the Swedish naval special operations team members on­ nonaction, as well as ability to master readiness for action.
board a ship during long­term international naval hostile duty” That dealt with how to cope with waiting for action, handling
was answered. Krippendorf stated that “the research question exposed positions, contingency planning, preparing for battle,
of content analysis must be answered through inferences drawn actions accomplished, and also physical and mental strain.
from the text.” 28(p. 37) On completion, the report was checked
for accuracy and support for the findings was expressed. Many of the individual notes of events dealt with strain and
the effect that constant changes in the state of alertness had on
the respondents. The effect was described as “being extremely
Ethical Considerations
tired” or feelings of “physical and mental strain.” Other ex­
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Linköping periences of strain were described when the participants used
(Dnr 2013/163­31). The respondents were asked orally and in the rigid­hull inflatable boat and expressed feelings of being
writing to participate in the study. They were informed that “soggy and cold.” The participants also had to handle calm
being a participant in the study was voluntary, that they could days onboard the ship, with nothing to do except have meet­
withdraw from the study at any time without explanation and ings, drink coffee, sunbathe, or study. They also had to man­
without influence of their current duty, naval mission, or train­ age being aroused in the middle of the night to operate at the
ing. All respondents agreed to participate and gave written in­ highest state of alertness and at the highest threat level. Even at
formed consent. night, the heat was evident, and both physical and psycholog­
ical stress were obvious. One person’s notes read “Awakened
because of an operation at sea, fixed the equipment, began the
Results
operation: threat level 7/10, stress from the heat 7/10, physi­
The findings were organized into three broad categories: mil­ cal stress 7/10, psychological stress 3/10, hard physical work
itary preparedness, how to cope with the naval context, and when operation took place inside the ship.” Seven hours later,
ability to handle physical and mental strain. Military prepared­ the same person wrote: “Accomplished an operation. Stress
ness entailed the participants reaching their affective and cogni­ from the heat 5/10. Good control of the situation.”
tive goals by being capable of activity­based approaches and of
performing, as well as being prepared in the naval environment. Discussion
That meant having knowledge of different threat levels, acquir­
ing combat skills in a naval context, relying on their equipment The results revealed that the participants experienced differ­
and their preparations, as well as having knowledge about the ent effects of being on the ship for 4 months overseas, which
ship, the equipment, and the operations. This category refers to is a common time frame for naval operations. Participants
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operational preparations and equipment being in order. Com­ reported different ways of overcoming the isolated environ­
bat drills onboard were frequent in the beginning but became ment of the ship, such as watching movies, playing cards, or
less common as time went by. Keeping the equipment in order reading. Even meal times seemed to be a welcome break in
seemed to be important during all test periods. the daily routine on the ship, with the sense of belonging and
being among friends. Bryan and Heron found that a sense of
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The category “how to cope with the naval context” was about belonging may protect against the risk for depression during
feelings of solidarity, as well as being mentally focused by all stages of deployment for servicemembers. The participants
being able to cope with the naval environment, the sense of undertook fitness training almost every day during the oper­
belonging, and social acceptance. How to deal with the drudg­ ation. Research has shown that physical fitness can actually
ery onboard was about, for example, trying to find meaning­ increase military stress. This was confirmed in a study in
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fulness, satisfying basic needs, being part of a greater whole, which cortisol levels increased with physical workload. Sol­
retaining one’s ability to act, being tired, experiencing fatigue, diers carried stretchers with and without shoulder straps, and
and bad recovery. This category highlighted that despite rough the levels of cortisol increased when the straps were not used.
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seas, the participants needed to work. For example, the bad However, this study shows that mental stress can be handled
weather conditions affected their sleep. through fitness training.

Ability to act in different naval hostile operations and envi­ Being in an unknown naval context means not being able to
ronments required physical preparations. All the respondents find one’s way onboard the ship, leading to many walks and

Swedish Specialized Boarding Element Members' Experiences of Naval Hostile Duty | 47