The program was organized by the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VNDPKO) in coordination with Military Hospital 175 and relevant agencies. A delegation of psychological experts from the New Zealand Defense Force, led by Wing Commander Jen Atkinson, Head of Operational Psychology, attended the program.
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Senior Colonel Bui Duc Thanh, Deputy Director of Military Hospital 175, delivers the opening remarks. |
The activity was part of the cooperation between Viet Nam and New Zealand aimed at raising awareness, sharing experience, and enhancing psychological support for military personnel after completing international missions. Following the program for the L2FH Rotation 7 in Ho Chi Minh City, a similar activity will be held in Ha Noi for officers and personnel of the Engineering Company Rotation 4.
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Wing Commander Jen Atkinson speaks at the program. |
Delivering the opening remarks, Senior Colonel Bui Duc Thanh, Deputy Director of Military Hospital 175, emphasized that transitioning from a high-pressure mission environment back to everyday life requires appropriate support, particularly psychological support. For peacekeeping personnel, harsh weather conditions, complex security situations, professional pressures, language and cultural differences, and prolonged separation from their families can have a significant impact on their mental well-being.
Through group discussions and professional exchanges, the program provided practical knowledge and skills to help military personnel adapt to life after completing their missions.
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Senior Colonel Bui Duc Thanh, Vietnamese coordinating officers, New Zealand experts, and officers and personnel of the L2FH Rotation 7 |
The activity also demonstrated the growing capacity of Vietnamese coordinating officers in organizing psychological support programs. Rather than relying on one-way knowledge sharing, the exchange featured small-group discussions that encouraged the initiative of participating personnel while highlighting the role of coordinating officers. New Zealand experts provided guidance, discussed participants’ concerns, and offered practical advice.
Given the importance of comprehensive healthcare, particularly post-deployment support, the VNDPKO has recently stepped up cooperation and experience sharing with international partners, including Australia and New Zealand, in providing psychological support to peacekeeping personnel before, during, and after their deployments.
Viet Nam-New Zealand cooperation in this field began in 2024. In October 2025, the program provided support to 230 Vietnamese peacekeepers returning from missions. In 2026, the activity is being held in Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi, with about 200 military personnel expected to participate.
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Vietnamese coordinating officers and New Zealand experts take part in a group discussion. |
At the opening session, Wing Commander Jen Atkinson expressed her appreciation for the dedication and contributions of Vietnamese peacekeepers. She emphasized that despite advances in military technology and equipment, people remain the core factor determining the success of missions. Her remarks underscored the importance of mental healthcare and support for peacekeepers as they adapt to life after completing their missions.
Translated by Minh Anh