The Emotions of the Training Instructor

This phenomenological study describes and explains the emotional experiences of Military Training Instructors assigned to Air Force Basic Training, what evokes these emotions and, how these emotions affect the instructor’s interactions with trainees and peers. In order to capture the lived experiences of the instructors a qualitative design using a phenomenological approach is employed. Nine current Military Training Instructors are selected based on researcher developed criteria. The study’s data was gathered by conducting on-site, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with each participant. The interview transcripts were coded into meaningful clusters and experiences using a Modified van Kaam method. A computer assisted qualitative data analysis program helped to identify emergent themes that are common to all of the participants interviewed. Five themes of the instructors’ experiences with the phenomenon of emotions are realized: (a) role model, (b) disciplinarian, (c) socialization (d) training frustrations, and (e) pride at the end product.