Soldiers are individuals who have been trained to follow orders and fulfill their duties towards their country. They are expected to uphold high standards and maintain discipline within their ranks.
They also possess emotions that can affect their interactions with each other. These interactions involve relationships between male and female soldiers, which can be affected by institutional norms, professional duty, and personal attachments. When these factors clash, relational tension can arise, and navigating it requires skillful balance.
Institutional Norms
Institutional norms refer to the rules and regulations set by the military that govern soldier behavior.
Soldiers must obey orders without question and maintain a strict hierarchy. This includes avoiding fraternization outside of official channels. Soldiers should keep professional distance from one another and refrain from displaying affection or intimacy. If they do show such behavior, they may face disciplinary action.
Professional Duty
Professional duty refers to the commitment that soldiers make to their profession and mission. It involves dedication, loyalty, and sacrifice. As soldiers, they must put the needs of the unit before their own interests. This means that they must perform their duties regardless of personal feelings, even if it conflicts with their relationships with other soldiers.
Personal Attachment Needs
Personal attachment needs refer to the need for human connection and relationships. Soldiers form bonds with their fellow soldiers during training and deployments. These bonds may develop into friendships, romantic relationships, or simply strong connections based on shared experiences. The strength of these relationships depends on how much time and energy soldiers invest in them.
Conflict Between Factors
When these three factors collide, soldiers may experience relational tension. They may feel conflicted between upholding institutional norms, fulfilling their professional duty, and meeting their personal attachment needs. This can lead to internal conflict, guilt, and emotional distress. Some soldiers may prioritize their relationships over their job, while others may choose to follow orders without regard for their personal attachments.
Navigating Relational Tension
To navigate this tension, soldiers must find a balance between their emotions and their obligations. They must be aware of their responsibilities towards the military and maintain discipline at all times.
They should also consider the impact of their decisions on their relationships.
If a soldier is attracted to another soldier, they should not act on their feelings but instead focus on their professionalism. If a relationship forms, they should keep it private and avoid displaying affection in public.
Relational tension between soldiers can arise when institutional norms, professional duty, and personal attachment needs clash. To navigate this tension, soldiers must strike a balance between their emotions and their duties. They must recognize that fulfilling their obligations does not always mean sacrificing their relationships. By doing so, they can maintain professionalism while still meeting their personal needs.
How do soldiers navigate relational tension when institutional norms, professional duty, and personal attachment needs collide?
The navigating of relational tension by soldiers when institutional norms, professional duty, and personal attachment needs collide is an intricate process that requires both mental and emotional effort. In this context, soldiers must strike a balance between adhering to institutional policies and regulations while also maintaining healthy relationships with their friends and families.