Post-Deployment Reintegration Experiences of AF Personnel: Implications for Scale Development.

摘要

The process of post-deployment reintegration can lead to intra- and inter-personal changes that may influence the quality of the returning members relationships with (and their attitudes towards) their immediate and extended family, friends, and co-workers. While some of these changes may be negative and lead to adverse outcomes for the members, they also may lead to potential benefits, such as increased self-confidence and self-tolerance, expanded political understanding, and improved military qualifications. To date, studies of the post-deployment reintegration experience have been limited to the Army. However, there is strong interest to examine the post-deployment reintegration process within the Air Force community. This study is an initial attempt to determine the aspects of post-deployment reintegration within this environment. The study used the Army reintegration experience as a starting point. Several similarities and differences between the two environments were identified and the basis of an Air Force post-deployment reintegration measurement tool was established.