Abstract:

This paper introduces a new pedagogical and psychological framework for understanding military humour: the Competence Structures for Military Humour Model (COMMILHUM). The COMMILHUM model is derived from six described categories of humour reported in the 14 scientific book chapters in the recently published anthology Psychology of Military Humour. The model further draws from Semantic Theory Construction (STC) as well as recent psychological and pedagogical research on mental and organizational processes in unforeseen and high-stress events. The COMMILHUM model categorizes humour into six distinct competence structures, each representing different humour styles identified across the anthology’s chapters. These competence structures serve as indicators for which competences should be developed across individual, group, organizational, and even national levels. Under the competence structure Adaptive humour styles, we find the indicators (humour styles) such as affiliative humour and self-enhancing humour. Sorted under the competence structure Maladaptive humour styles we find the indicators aggressive humour and self-defeating humour. Under the competence structure Black, dark or gallows humour styles, we find the indicators covering risk in dangerous situations, consisting of insensitive, inappropriate, and include wicked comments and self-disclosure humour. Looking at the competence structure Hierarchical humour styles, organisational humour, leader humour, and team humour are important indicators to consider in order to create an better facilitation for the use of humour. The competence structure Negative with positive outcomes humour styles deals with the indicators teasing and self-deprecating humour. Finally, sorted under the competence structure Common humour styles, we find standard jokes, spontaneous jokes, anecdotes, sarcasm, satire, the caricature, the pamphlet, accidental humour, intimidating humour, de-escalation and disengagement, flirtatious humour and social critic humour as different styles of humour used. Each competence structure encompasses specific humour styles that can be developed to enhance learning, psychological resilience, group cohesion, and operational effectiveness. COMMILHUM is designed to guide strategic planning by highlighting how humour can be systematically incorporated into training, curricula, and leadership strategies before, during, and after military operations or other unforeseen crises. Ultimately, COMMILHUM offers a structured and evidence-informed approach to using humour as a resource in military contexts, promoting individual learning, psychological readiness and organizational learning.

Keywords:

Military humour, individual learning, organizational learning, psychological readiness, pedagogical and psychological model, COMMILHUM, humour styles.