PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOR OF MILITARY PERSONNEL IN THE CONTEXT OF EXTREME EXISTENTIAL TRIALS

Abstract

This article reveals the psychological factors behind deviant behavior
among military personnel in the context of extreme existential trials of war.
Offenses in the army are most often explained by two reasons: first, the specifics
of military service, such as problems of subordination and the need for strict
compliance with military regulations and orders; and second, combat trauma. The
most common types of crimes committed by military personnel in the context of
Russia's large-scale aggression against Ukraine are disobedience, leaving one's
post, and desertion. It is №ted that, in wartime, there is a general decline in
positive attitudes toward the law among all groups of military personnel. Moral
and combat traumatization, increased physical and mental stress associated with
understaffed military units, low motivation and morale among servicemen, and
doubts about commanders' professional competence can lead №t only to
depression and mental disorders but also to suicide and severe delinquent
behavior. When assessing the risk of addictive behavior in servicemen, it is
necessary to consider the factors that determine traumatic experiences. These
factors include combat operations, threats to life, the death or injury of fellow
servicemen or other people, direct clashes with the enemy, injuries, working with
the dead, coming under fire, and the duration of time spent in the combat zone.