RNZAF Psychology Conference
The Royal New Zealand Air Force Psychology Conference 09 saw the Air Force Psych team gather in November at Base Woodbourne.
The conference provided an opportunity for Air Force Psychologists (Psychs) to identify aspects of their work that are most valuable to the organisation and how to shape direction in the future. This led to the development of a new team mission statement—‘To enhance the human element of military air operations through evidence-based psychological science’. Conference spokesperson, FLTLT Delwyn Neill, Director of Psychology (Air) said, “This highlights that we can best contribute by researching organisational issues such as workload and fatigue, and working with Command to develop strategies to address these issues.
We also have an important role to play in relaying the most recent research in areas like human factors, adult learning and mentoring.
“Nevertheless, you will still see us fulfilling our more traditional roles of providing support to individuals’ under training and throughout their careers, as well as supporting operational deployments.
“Times are changing for the Psychs (as with most people) but it’s an exciting prospect to be refocusing our efforts, working more closely with the Navy and Army Psych Teams, and ensuring that both the organization and each of us are gaining maximum value from our posts.”