AJATEENISTUSE KESKKOND KOHANEMISE TOETAJANA

The Effect of Environment in Supporting Conscripts’ Adaptation

Abstract

The main goal of this study is to identify what factors influence a conscript’s adaption to their environment during their service in the Defence Forces. As a result suggestions will be made as to what improvements can be made to the environment. In order to achieve this goal, 72 representatives from different units were interviewed. The interviews took place in 2014. The results indicate that some of the important factors that impede accommodation or adaption include lack of information for conscripts, lack of privacy, the absence of friends and family members, the motivation, behaviour, and attitude of some of the superiors and instructors towards the conscripts, and the fact that the different abilities of the conscripts are not taken into consideration. In general, the environment is supportive for conscripts serving in the Defence Forces and for those conducting their service. It is important that conscripts who arrive in a new environment receive adequate information about what is expected of them during their time in the service. They should be granted adequate living conditions, and feel that they are requisite to the Defence Forces. Likewise they should feel valued and supported while they are adapting and during their active service.