Select them well, train them better! Psychological combat readiness in the German army special forces
Journal: Frontiers in Psychiatry
Year: 2026

Introduction Psychological Combat Readiness (PCR) refers to a mindset designed to enhance the mental performance and operational preparedness of military and law enforcement special forces. The concept comprises five core components: Psychological Stability, Hardiness , Functional Work Attitude , Comradeship and Team Orientation (Cohesion) and VUCA competence —characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. The first part of the present study aimed to investigate the trainab