What Is Military Operational Psychology?

Operational psychology, also conceptualized as national security psychology, has only recently received significant attention in the last 15 years or so. Historically, this is interesting given that it essentially predated all other forms of military psychology practice, excepting research. In fact, the earliest operational psychologists (though this term was not in use at the time) created the Assessment and Selection (A&S) program responsible for screening 1.75 million potential recruits for service during World War I.

Operational psychologists have a direct impact on national security.

Carrie Kennedy

So what is operational psychology?

Operational psychology is a subspecialty of psychology that provides expertise and consultation to national security programs, military intelligence, and military law enforcement activities in four general areas: A&S, organizational consultation, operational consultation, and individual/unit support post-critical incident, during personnel recovery operations, or for the purposes of performance enhancement.

This specialized area of practice enhances the ability of commanders and other key decision-makers to accomplish tactical, operational, or strategic objectives. While it may be thought of as mature, given its infancy in WWI, in its modern form, it is quite new and has been honed in recent years.

What do operational psychologists do?

The most consistent function of operational psychologists continues to be A&S; the military services and other national security agencies have a variety of A&S programs for specific populations such as special forces, presidential support, military leaders, and so on.

While the majority of operational psychologists are involved with A&S, other duties may involve security clearance evaluations, indirect assessment, intelligence and counterintelligence support, insider threat detection, risk assessments, re-integration support, tactical performance enhancement, executive coaching, and other roles.

Is operational psychology an official subspecialty of psychology?

Operational psychology is not recognized as a subspecialty in the way that, say, forensic psychology or neuropsychology would be. Rather, it is a specialized skillset required by some national security and military psychologists. Much like embedded psychology practice, it is a necessary function for a segment of military psychologists. However, it is formally recognized within the military, and operational psychologists must meet specific education, training, and experiential requirements (e.g., in the Navy this is quantified by an Additional Qualification Designation). Additionally, operational psychology functions are fully encapsulated under the formal subspecialty Police and Public Safety Psychology, and thus operational psychologists can become board certified.

Operational psychology is gaining in popularity among military psychologists. For those attracted to working within military units, as opposed to clinics and hospitals, and for those who want to apply their psychology expertise in direct support of national security, operational psychology is a means to have a direct impact. It provides military psychologists a strong sense of purpose and accomplishment, and a chance to work with the military’s most elite and motivated performers.