Retention And Recruitment Of Women In The Defence Forces

1. Retention And Recruitment Of Women In The Defence Forces Department of Defence

2. Table Of Contents • Introduction • Background & Objectives • Research Methodology • Findings • Careers • Familiarity & Perceptions of the Defence Force • Motivators & Barriers to Joining the PDF • Women’s experience of the PDF • Recruitment • Conclusions & Recommendations

3. Introduction

4. Background & Objectives • This research was intended to identify areas where action can be taken to maximise the number of women applicants to the Defence Forces, hence increasing the number enlisting. In addition, areas to be addressed for retention were also harnessed. • More specifically the research aimed to; • Identify barriers for women to joining the Defence Forces, at both a functional and emotive level. • Assessment of awareness and perceptions of the Defence Forces as a career for women. • Uncover issues which could encourage future enlistment and retention in the Permanent Defence Forces.

5. Research Methodology • A diagnostic methodology incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches was utilised. Qualitative Phase • The qualitative research approach encompassed a series of 28 in-depth interviews structured as follows:

6. Research Methodology • Other criteria • Women currently in the Permanent Defence Force comprised of the following: • 1 Officer • 2 Cadets • 2 Non-Commissioned Officer • 5 Privates • Interviews were taped, transcribed and then analysed for factual and discursive content. • In the interests of protecting the anonymity of our respondents, direct quotations are identified only by rank or career. • Fieldwork was conducted in September – November 2006.

7. Research Methodology Quantitative Phase • Two quantitative phases were undertaken, namely: • National survey of 522 females aged 15+ • Survey of serving female PDF members • The national telephone survey of females aged 15+ was conducted via TNS mrbi’s national omnibus survey, PhoneBus®. This survey was conducted via telephone and is fully representative of the population. Quota controls are imposed for gender, age, socio-economic class and region. Fieldwork was conducted between 17th – 26th October, 2006. • The survey of serving female PDF members was conducted via a self-completion approach. All serving members of the PDF were sent a questionnaire and a prepaid reply envelope addressed to TNS mrbi. The Department of Defence were responsible for distribution. Fieldwork was conducted between November 2006 and January 2007. 188 responses were received in total (a 36% response rate). The data was weighted by rank and location to reflect the population of serving females in the PDF.

8. Findings

9. Careers

10. Social Context • A college education has become more the norm with significant parental pressure evident. • An element of prestige exists with a college education. College Education Social Life Money/wealth/ trappings Transferability of skills Less careers for life Full Employment Students are placing less emphasis on careers for life given the full employment circumstances. Transferability of skills is important to aid career/job switching.In addition, the majority of students also desire a certain standard of social life outside of work. Many young people demand the wealth and the trappings accompanying a college education. The career versus family debate lurks in the back of female minds sub-consciously. The latter also places more maternal careers high on the list for females. “In the past, students had to choose a definite career route such as entering the Army whereas students are more flighty now they do not want to be tied down at such an early stage of their career.” (Guidance Councillor) “Some students would show an interest in the Defence Force, but the lifestyle is off-putting.” (Guidance Councillor)

11. Career Influencers Parents/Family • Profound influencer – crucial target “There would be some parents who would plead with me ….” “at all costs, squeeze them into something at third level”. “There is an element of prestige associated with college.” (Guidance Councillor) “Although the Defence Force offers great job security. I would not see it is as a good career move……I do not want to see my daughter out in the rain carrying a heavy gun.” (Parent of School Leaver) • Peers • Often peers can heavily influence their friends career choice. • “I joined commerce in UCC because my two best friends were with me.” • (School Leaver) • Guidance Councillors • Ensure that students’ interest is genuine • They provide practical advice on following up a career choice • Teachers (certain) • Inspire interest in career choices/subjects It will be crucial to target parents as they often have more influence than Career Guidance Councillors.

12. Net Importance Of Qualities Of An Ideal Career - IBase: All Females: 522 Age 15-24’s Good benefits Exciting Helping Others Get an education Motivating Well Paid Job security Good prospects Sense of doing something important Family Friendly Learn good skills Teamwork Can use skills learnt in other careers Good social Life Opportunity to lead other people Commitment Challenging Q.2 I would like you to think about your ideal career and tell me how important or not each statement or word that I am going to read out is when choosing your ideal career using a scale whereby 5 = Very Important, 4 = Important, 3 = Neither Important Nor Unimportant, 2 = Unimportant and 1 = Very Unimportant?

13. Net Importance Of Qualities Of An Ideal Career - IIBase: All Females: 522 Age 15-24’s Variety of work Discipline Active Modern career Learning a trade Adventurous Contract employment Dynamic Foreign Travel Indoor based rather than outdoors Has a predictable routine Glamorous Manual An element of Danger Physically demanding Becomes your life rather than a job Q.2 I would like you to think about your ideal career and tell me how important or not each statement or word that I am going to read out is when choosing your ideal career using a scale whereby 5 = Very Important, 4 = Important, 3 = Neither Important Nor Unimportant, 2 = Unimportant and 1 = Very Unimportant?

14. Top Three Realistic Career ChoicesBase: All Females: 522 In reality, the PDF is off the radar for many females, with careers more orientated towards; maternalistic, business and artistic being more appealing 15-24’s Teacher Nurse/carer Beautician/hairdresser Management Lawyer Own a business Accountant Vet Doctor Artist Office worker Designer Child carer Work in a shop Computers Other Don’t know * Answers less than 2% for 15-24’s not shown Q.1 I would now like you to think about your career or potential career. What would be your top three realistic career choices?

15. Career Needstates • Four broad career needstates for females emerged, with differing careers serving each needstate.

16. Potency Freedom Defence Forces Comfort Status Image of the PDF - Amongst the General Public Functional • Uniforms & equipment • Rules and discipline • Dangerous • Pay okay • Unsociable hours (lonesome) • High commitment (live to work, not work to live) • Tough, physical environment Social Identity • Still more masculine • Traditional • Community/social bonding (to a degree) Emotive • Active • Aggressive • Extrovert • Adventurous • Down to earth • Reliable • Harsh, strong • Powerful • Exciting • Empathetic (UN) for some • Compassionate (UN) “It is a very harsh and aggressive working environment for a woman.” (Parent) “The Army is traditionally a male dominated culture. It is still quite conservative compared to other professions, however it is moving in the right direction.”(Guidance Councillor)

17. Potency Freedom Defence Forces Comfort Status Image of the PDF - Amongst the General Public • However, in recent years the PDF’s profile has improved dramatically. • The Irish Defence Forces has a more caring image than armies. It is perceived principally as a peacekeeping force that help to safeguard Ireland and provides assistance in key troublespots through the provision of humanitarian help and peacekeeping missions. “It has often been compared to the UN as it has taken on a more compassionate and empathetic role.” (Guidance Councillor) • Appreciation exists of the positive role women can have in peacekeeping situations “In peacekeeping situations, women bring good qualities and represent different interests. They are more nurturing, they are better able to control aggression, and they are less intimidating to the population at large, especially women and children.” (NWCI Representative) Competition to the Defence Forces is stiff with career typologies of; business, maternal and artistic having stronger appeal to females nowadays. Note: That the Gardaí have a similar position to the DF, but caters for different needs.

18. Image of the PDF - IBase: All Females: 522 Image weaknesses include: pay, family friendly, prospects, social life, contract (for life), hours, routine, dangerous, physical nature, bullying Do not Associate % Don’t Know % Associate % Good benefits Exciting Helping Others Get an education Motivating Well Paid Job security Good prospects Sense of doing something important Family Friendly Learn good skills Teamwork Can use skills learnt in other careers Good social Life Opportunity to lead other people Commitment Challenging 11 3 2 4 4 16 4 6 3 10 3 2 6 10 3 2 3 N.B. When females are thinking of the PDF, the officer level has a more positive image Statements ranked on importance to females Q.7 Which of these words or statements do you associate with a career in the Permanent Irish Defence Force i.e. full-time members. It is only your perception we are interested in, it does not matter whether you know anything about it or not?

19. Image of the PDF - IIBase: All Females: 522 Do not Associate % Don’t Know % Associate % 6 2 2 5 3 2 11 9 2 6 7 4 3 3 2 7 7 Variety of work Discipline Active Modern career Learning a trade Adventurous Contract employment Dynamic Foreign Travel Indoor based rather than outdoors Has a predictable routine Glamorous Manual An element of Danger Physically demanding Becomes your life rather than a job Bullying * Statements ranked on importance to females * Not asked re: Ideal Career Q.7 Which of these words or statements do you associate with a career in the Permanent Irish Defence Force i.e. full-time members. It is only your perception we are interested in, it does not matter whether you know anything about it or not?

20. Familiarity and Perceptions of the PDF

21. Contact With The Defence ForceBase: All Females: 522 9% of females ever considered a PDF career Family/friends Family/friends Personal Personal current membership ever members consideration of Membership of the PDF/RDF in the PDF/RDF a PDF career % % % % Previously a member of the RDF Previously a member of the PDF Yes, currently a member No, I have never been a member of either Don’t know Yes, Army Yes, Navy Yes, Air Corps Yes, Any No Yes No Don’t know Yes No Don’t know Q.3 Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Irish Defence Forces? Q.4 Are any of your friends/family members currently members of the Irish Defence Forces (either the Reserve or the Permanent Defence Forces)? Q.5 Have any of your friends/family members ever been members of the Irish Defence Forces (either Reserve or Permanent Defence Forces) in the past? Q.6 Have you ever considered a career in the Permanent Irish Defence Force?

22. Degree Of Familiarity with the PDF- Amongst Parents And School Leavers Primarily • The Army has the highest level of familiarity amongst the public. • Many respondents associate the PDF solely with the Army. • It is important to note that those living near a Military Base were more familiar with the PDF. Army • Both the Naval service and the Air Corps have lower levels of familiarity. “There is a complete void amongst the general public with regard to the day to day role of the Defence Force.” (Guidance Councillor) • Note less contact evident with the latter two PDF areas. “Obviously there is much more to the PDF than guns, soldiers and camouflage, however I just don’t know about it.” (School Leaver) Degree of familiarity Navy Air Corps

23. Key Perceptual Differences Between PDF Services Army • While ignorance exists re day-to-day roles • Perceptually the public feels it knows more about the Army compared to Navy and Air Corp • Higher visibility • More openness & accessibility due to land-based nature of the service Air Corps • Image of prestige, elitism and exclusivity • Perception of higher educated recruits (pilot driven) • Feeling its smaller division communicated the exclusivity • Specialised skills • Less visibility Naval Service • Sea faring less appealing • Fear of water • Feeling of isolation & confinement (at sea for long periods) • Specialised skills • Less visibility as the majority of time is spent at sea

24. RDF-Versus-PDF Reserve Defence Force • Low level of awareness amongst the general public, however high awareness in RDF military areas. • The RDF is perceived as a more sophisticated form of the Scouts or Ventures. • However, the RDF is not perceived to have the same standing as the Territorial Army in the UK. The RDF does not have the same appeal, it has negative connotations, while many still associate it with the term FCA. • Outlined below are a number of viewpoints held by the general public: • Enlisting with the RDF is more flexible, whereas enlisting with the PDF appears very final - a life-long career choice. “It is seen as a part time career rather than a full time career choice. It is not taken as seriously as the PDF”. (Private)

25. RDF-Versus-PDF • Many respondents viewed the reserves as good training and preparation before entering the Gardaí. • The application process was felt to be easier for the RDF • RDF considered to be easier lifestyle compared to PDF “The training is not as rigorous in the RDF as it is in the PDF.”(Guidance Councillor) “The school has had female students that joined both the RDF and the Gardaí but not the PDF.”(Guidance Councillor) “I would prefer a clear division between work and free time. I wouldn’t fancy being away for such long stretches of time. The hours are very unsociable in the PDF.”(School Leaver) The RDF is perceived as an easier route to choose than the PDF. It is considered a part-time career choice whereas the PDF is a life-long career choice. Greater potential exists for the RDF if it was promoted akin to the UK Territorials.

26. Respondents perception of the Defence Force was heavily influenced by the media. For example: US war films such as GI Jane. News bulletins- Footage of Iraq on the news. Media Representation Of Women In The PDFAmongst the General Public • Tomboy • Masculine demeanour. Wants to be seen as “one of the lads”. Lacks femininity. Sexual Object Perceived in a sexual manner, accentuates femininity and temptation Strong Needs to be both physically and mentally strong Distraction Perceived as a sexual distraction to their male counterparts Masculine Perceived as a stereotypical tomboy “Women would have to act like one of the lads, if she wanted to be treated like one. I guess she would have to forego her femininity.”(School Leaver) “With the abuses which went on in Abu Ghraib, where women were as involved as men, it was very disturbing… when women are seen to be abusive, it seems more jarring.”(NWCI Representative) Media representation of women soldiers tend to depict a stereotypical tomboy image in the main

27. Agreement With Statements Relating To The PDFBase: All Females: 522 Strongly Slightly Neither/ Slightly Strongly Don’t agree agree nor disagree disagree know % % % % % % You have to be physically fit to enlist in the PDF A career in the PDF is suitable for women There is not enough info available on how to enlist in PDF The PDF are more for men A career in the PDF would fit in with raising my family, having children as much as any other career I know the requirements to enlist in the PDF I know what members of the DF do on a day-to-day basis A career in the PDF is becoming more acceptable, however strong male associations remain. The lack of fit with family life, ignorance enlisting requirements and day-to-day activities are key issues for the PDF

28. Agreement With Statements Relating To The PDFBase: All Females Aged 15-24: 63 Strongly Slightly Neither/ Slightly Strongly Don’t agree agree nor disagree disagree know % % % % % % I would have more fun, better social life, if I went to college or got another job, than joining the PDF My parents would not encourage me to enlist in the PDF My school provides info for female students on enlisting in the PDF as a career The PDF visit(ed) my school as much as any other organisations regarding careers 71% of 15-24’s feel they would enjoy a better social life attending 3rd level education rather than the DF. The importance of target visiting secondary schools is further emphasised and increased provision of information

29. Agreement With Statements Relating To The PDFBase: All Females With Children Under 18: 233 Strongly Slightly Neither/ Slightly Strongly Don’t agree agree nor disagree disagree know % % % % % % I would prefer my child to get a college education rather than enlisting in the PDF I would prefer my child to learn a trade than enlisting in the PDF I would encourage my child/children to enlist in the PDF The importance of addressing parents’ concerns is further underlined

30. Motivations & Perceived Barriers To Joining The PDF

31. Perception Of Females Joining The Defence ForceAmongst the General Public • A certain type of individual is perceived to join the PDF. Personality • Confident / Outgoing • Team player • Self assured • Independent • Strong-willed (mentally) • Assertive • Disciplined (Enjoys an organised and rigid structure) • Comfortable in a male environment • Committed Physique • Active/outdoor individual • Athletic • Strong “The Defence Force holds an attraction for a certain type of girl- self assured, determined and mentally stronger than a male recruit.” (Guidance Councillor)

32. Functional Good job security Uniforms & equipment Regimented Outdoor lifestyle “The main reason that I joined the PDF was because it offers such an exciting, diverse and varied lifestyle. Excuse the pun, but I wanted a life less ordinary.” (Private) Skills Education/training “Wanted an active, outdoor lifestyle.” (Cadet) Pay deemed ok Social ID It provides a great sense of belonging. Perceived as a tight knit community Great sense of camaraderie and social bonding Irishness – a love of country (sense of pride) Reinforces national identity. “It may sound like a bit of a cliché, but it is a great opportunity to serve your country and give something back.” (NCO) Emotive Tough Active, yet compassionate and caring Extrovert Exciting Strong/powerful Special, not ordinary Status Prestige Image of PDF (By Female Members)Motivators To Join The Defence Force Barriers to join are discussed later Members see a greater sense of prestige and status from a PDF career than the public. Note: The higher ranks have more appeal due to prestige and status. The lower ranks such as a privateare less appealing as their role is deemed as mundane and lower in status.

33. Prompts To Join The PDF Military background • Permanent members tend to have a long history of military tradition. Four in five serving females have friends or family in the Defence Forces either currently or previously. “Their father was in the Navy, therefore they were used to the fact that they would be away from home for long periods of time”. (Guidance Councillor) “My father was in the Army, my grandfather was in the Navy and my grandfather’s father was in the Army. I have seven uncles and thirteen cousins in the Army. I was destined to join the Army”. (Private) • The majority of respondents were more familiar with the “military way of life” in comparison to their mainstream counterparts. • Greater understanding of the nature of the job, the skill requirements and the potential rewards existed. • Those from a military background were heavily influenced by their siblings and parents, considered joining the Army as a lifetime career as they grew up surrounded by a military environment. “I think that anyone who has a parent in the Army knows about the opportunities that it has to offer.” (Guidance Councillor) “Teachers and Gardaí tend to discourage their children from following their footsteps, whereas the Army and Navy actively encourage their children to join.” (Guidance Councillor)

34. Incidence Of Having Friends/Family In The Defence ForcesBase: All Serving Females: 188 Not Applicable/ Don’t know % - 2 % Currently Previously Q.6 Are any of your friends/family members currently members of the Irish Defence Forces?

35. Influence Of Family/Friends On Decision To Join PDFBase: All With Family/Friends Previously/Currently in DF: 154 Q.8 To what extent was your decision to enlist in the Defence Forces influenced or not by your family/friends being members or former members of the Defence Forces?

36. Prompts To Join The PDF High Level Of PDF Visibility • General awareness and appeal of the PDF and PDF life is strongest amongst those who live in the vicinity of the military base because they are more visible on a day to day basis. “We have a lot of contact with the Defence Force. They come in and give talks to the students regularly.”(Guidance Councillor) “My father was an officer in the Army and my grandfather was in the Merchant Navy … we have a lot of military history in our family”. (Cadet) “I grew up beside the Curragh where I was surrounded by a military environment. Elements of the Army were very visible on a day to day basis.” (NCO) Higher Visibility Of Gardaí • The Gardaí are often seen as a source of competition to the PDF, with higher levels of women applicants each year. • Visibility of the Gardaí and indeed women in the Gardaí is higher than the PDF. In addition, in general the day-to-day duties of Gardaí are more widely known. This visibility engenders a greater degree of social acceptance of the career. “Women in the Gardaí are more visible, even in the media and news.”(Private) “Social acceptance will come with greater visibility.” (Cadet)

37. Prompts To Join The PDF Other influencers • According to some a career route can be dependent on the secondary school that they attend • Students that attend single sex schools can be more reluctant to apply to careers such as the PDF that break the gender norms. • Whereas, co-ed schools offer a variety of subjects such as carpentry, and technical drawing, therefore, students have more freedom from such gender norms. • Decision making was influenced by PDF members that visited their school. • Exciting website – many members enjoyed the website layout and the comprehensive literature that it provided (room for improvement still exists). • Influenced by their visits to Naval Ports/ships and Army Barracks (deemed as a motivating factor to join) • Influenced by catchy and effective advertisement campaigns • Decision making was influenced by Defence Force members that were present at both the Higher Options in the RDS and the Cork Careers open day.

38. Barriers To PDF Entry (By School Leavers, Parents, Career Guidance Councillors) Functional Barriers • Limited knowledge of the role of women in the PDF. • Physical nature of the job, namely: • physical training • harsh conditions • Perceived unsociable hours, etc. • Perception of being poorly paid • Level of commitment required • Longevity of a woman’s career is perceived to be shorter if she intends to have a family – lack of fit into the image of the PDF • Indeed, perceived curtailment of the role being a female (perceived that women often end up in the administrative/service area as oppose to operations). • Lack of knowledge about a career in the PDF amongst those living outside the military regions. • Perception of loneliness and exclusion, namely: • In the perceived masculine environment of the PDF • In the wider context of their female peer group

39. Barriers To PDF Entry (By School Leavers, Parents, Career Guidance Councillors) Functional Barriers (Cont’d) • PDF considered very regimented lifestyle compared to other potential career – lacking fun, and an active social life. • Many questioned what skills would be learnt and indeed their transferability. “They need to show what happens to women when they come out of the Defence Forces at the other side – when they re-enter civilian life – that they haven’t lost time but have picked up valuable skills” (National Centre for Guidance in Education) • Career prospects also questioned – perception exists that it takes a long time to be promoted, and hence less salary increases etc. • Perception that life in the PDF is dangerous. Interestingly, more of a barrier for parents than school leavers.

40. Barriers To PDF Entry (By School Leavers, Parents, Career Guidance Councillors) Emotive Barriers • The PDF still has a very traditional, down-to-earth image, albeit changing with recent advertising campaigns. • Note, its emotive barriers can also be attractive for others. • However, in the main the key emotive barriers are its perception of being; aggressive and tough/harsh. Social Barriers • The lifestyle can be unappealing (i.e. dirty, wet, harsh conditions) – not a very trendy career. • Career has a more masculine image.The military culture is often perceived as macho, male, harsh and aggressive. “I wouldn’t want my boyfriend thinking that I’m more manly than him. He would feel disempowered.” (School Leaver)

41. Barriers To PDF Entry (By School Leavers, Parents, Career Guidance Councillors) Social Barriers (Cont’d) • Perceived lack of social status associated with the Defence Force compared to competing professions, college, etc. • Viewed as conservative career environment. • Social stigma attached to the job-women are perceived to be in the minority in the Defence Force • External stigma-Perception that it is a masculine and physically demanding career route to take. • Internal stigma- Some resentment from existing male members to female presence “It is early days for women yet. It will be a long time before they are fully integrated.” (Parent of School Leaver)

42. Women’s Experience of the PDF

43. Perception Of The Defence Forces As A Good Place To WorkBase: All Serving Females: 188 Positive scores overall, however, NCOs indicate a weaker level of agreement Rank Officer/ Total Private NCO Cadet (188) (70) (59) (57) % % % % Agree strongly Agree slightly Neither/nor Disagree slightly Disagree strongly Not stated Q.2 To what extent do you agree or disagree that the Defence Forces is a good place to work?

44. Degree To Which PDF Career Has Met Expectations (I)Base: All Serving Females: 188 More negative response from NCOs Rank Officer/ Total Private NCO Cadet (188) (70) (59) (57) % % % % Exceeded expectations Met expectations Fallen short of expectations Q.23 Thinking about your career in the Defence Forces, has it exceeded your expectations, met your expectations, or fell short of your expectations?

45. Degree To Which PDF Career Has Met Expectations (II)Base: All Serving Females: 188 Newer recruits more positive. Half of those with children feel their PDF career has fallen short of expectations Length of Service Marital Status Children Married/ Single/ living as widowed/ Total 0-5 yrs 6-12 yrs 12+ yrs married div./sep. Yes No (188) (57) (76) (54) (96) (92) (73) (108) % % % % % % % % Exceeded expectations Met expectations Fallen short of expectations Q.23 Thinking about your career in the Defence Forces, has it exceeded your expectations, met your expectations, or fell short of your expectations?

46. Likelihood Of Recommending A Career In The PDF to Suitable Female Family and FriendsBase: All Serving Females: 188 • Very or Fairly Likely • Rank % • Private 59 • NCO 30 • Officer/Cadet 56 • Length of Service • 0-5 years 71 • 6-12 years 41 • 12 years + 37 Children • Yes 35 • No 59 30% Those with children, longer service and indeed NCOs are less likely to recommend the PDF as a career Q.21 In general, how likely or unlikely are you to recommend a career in the Defence Forces to suitable female friends or family?

47. Importance Of Aspects Of An Ideal CareerBase: All Serving Females: 188 Not Applicable/ Don’t know % 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 % Having a job I enjoy Job security Pay and other benefits Variety of work Promotional/career opportunities Family friendly policies Sense of doing something important Q.1 The following is a list of aspects which a job/career may offer. How important or unimportant is each aspect to you personally when thinking about your ideal career?

48. Satisfaction With Aspects Of PDFBase: All Serving Females: 188 Not Applicable/ Don’t know % 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 % Having a job I enjoy Job security Pay and other benefits Variety of work Promotional/career opportunities Family friendly policies Sense of doing something important Statements ranked on importance to females Almost 4 in 10 dissatisfied with family policies. Some concern for one quarter over promotion opportunities. Q.3 The following is a list of aspects which a job may offer. Thinking of your present job in the Permanent Defence Forces, how satisfied or dissatisfied are you with each aspect?

49. Life In The Permanent Defence Forces (I)Base: All Serving Females: 188 Not Applicable/ Don’t know % 1 2 2 1 1 % I am able to cope with the pressures of my job I find/would find it difficult to raise a family in the Defence Forces I have a good balance between my work & my personal life The Defence Forces gives me a great sense of belonging The Defences Forces are changing for the better While newer recruits feel the PDF is changing for the better, some scepticism still exists Q.4 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

50. Life In The Permanent Defence Forces (II)Base: All Serving Females: 188 Not Applicable/ Don’t know % 2 4 6 2 1 % Work related issues seldom impose on my personal life I have been bullied/harassed at work in the last year The bullying/harassment I received in the last year has made me unhappy at work My family/personal life interferes with my responsibilities at work The Defence Forces is a lonely place to work Just one quarter experienced bullying/harassment in the last year. A correlation with age exists, with younger members having a higher incidence Q.4 To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?