This book offers a tour de force on the profound contributions of opera- tional psychology, bringing forth with clarity, context, and vision how psychologists help fulfill their obligations in supporting national security and public safety. At its core, this timely and authoritative book rests upon the foundation of actions taken just prior to World War I that helped establish the very profession of psychology as a science—­psychology’s contributions to support national security in times of war. This support provided early psychologists the opportunity to demonstrate the impor- tance of the science of psychology. It also demonstrated that psychologists of that age were fully aware of, and committed to, the full expression of their professional and scientific responsibilities to society. We are indeed fortunate that the two editors of this book, Mark Staal and Sally Harvey, both of whom have been unparalleled in their leader- ship to advance (and frequently defend) operational psychology within our profession, are leading this effort. They have tirelessly represented both our profession and our society. Their leadership, actions, and service are repeatedly made evident through their scholarship, dedication, and sacrifice in helping the profession of psychology realize the full expres- sion of its responsibilities to society. Within this important contribution, Sally and Mark have assembled a number of operational psychology science-­practitioners who help them bring forth and give expression to the full scope, breadth, and depth of what operational psychologists con- tribute to society through their professional practice and service. It is within this broad scope for the application of psychology to real-­life threats, and in recognition of the opportunity to provide direct, overall benefits to the welfare of our society, that operational psychologists find themselves drawn to such service. Few practice areas are more challeng- ing and perhaps none are as rewarding! At times, and of necessity, that Foreword
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