Sources and Levels of Stress among 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing Intelligence Operators and Support Personnel

Abstract : The goals of this study were to assess self-reported occupational sources of stress, as well as levels of burnout, psychological distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among United States Air Force 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing (ISRW) intelligence operators and support personnel. A total of 1,822 Airmen responded to the web-based survey, with an estimated response rate of 39%. The study revealed that the main sources of stress among 70 ISRW personnel were organizational in nature, tied to issues with leadership, management, communications, manning, and workload. Both groups also endorsed personal and home life stressors. In general, reported sources of stress were highly consistent among the intelligence operators and support personnel surveyed. The results of the study revealed lower rates of burnout and psychological distress among 70 ISRW personnel when compared to intelligence operators in other arenas of the 25th Air Force (formerly the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Agency) enterprise. Subtle but notable distinctions between 70 ISRW intelligence operator and support personnel rates of burnout and psychological distress still exist, which bear consideration. Preliminary recommendations are provided for Air Force operational leaders and the medical and mental health providers who support 70 ISRW Airmen. Further research may be required to fully appreciate the complex dynamics affecting these personnel.