Exploring pre-enlistment and military factors associated with the morale of members of the UK Armed Forces.

There is a paucity of evidence to show the importance of morale within military units. The aim of this study was to explore how pre-enlistment and postenlistment factors influence morale and to ascertain which has the greater contribution. A cross-sectional study of the UK military involved in operations to Iraq was conducted between 2004 and 2006. The sample was randomly selected and was representative of the UK Armed Forces. Data were collected via questionnaires and included measures on unit cohesion and leadership, childhood adversity, and current service factors (e.g., whether individuals deployed as individuals or within formed units). Although childhood adversity was found to affect self-reported morale, current service factors were found to have a greater influence.