<p>The combat mission is an extreme situation with high demands of the soldier. Killing might very well be necessary. Before a mission a soldier can experience stress due to these factors. The purpose of this paper is to find methods to handle stress due to an upcoming combat mission and to the prospect of having to kill. The main questions of this essay: -<em>How can certain parts of the physiological psychology improve a soldiers ability to perform a mission?</em> <em>– Is the Swedish soldier mentally prepared to kill?</em> The theory for this essay has been described using litteratur by experts within the field, and the results thereafter discussed. The results: Technics such as objective planning, routines, visualisation and discussions about killing has a positive effect on the soldier’s stress level. It prevents stress and improves his ability during the mission. Future battle planners should integrate this into training before a mission.</p>

The combat mission is an extreme situation with high demands of the soldier. Killing might very well be necessary. Before a mission a soldier can experience stress due to these factors. The purpose of this paper is to find methods to handle stress due to an upcoming combat mission and to the prospect of having to kill. The main questions of this essay: -How can certain parts of the physiological psychology improve a soldiers ability to perform a mission? – Is the Swedish soldier mentally prepared to kill? The theory for this essay has been described using litteratur by experts within the field, and the results thereafter discussed. The results: Technics such as objective planning, routines, visualisation and discussions about killing has a positive effect on the soldier’s stress level. It prevents stress and improves his ability during the mission. Future battle planners should integrate this into training before a mission.