How Do Soldiers Reconcile Emotional Openness With Stoicism In Military Culture?
Military training and culture emphasize emotional control, objectivity, and detachment from personal feelings.
Humans are social beings who need to connect emotionally with others for physical and mental well-being. This creates tension between the expectation that soldiers must suppress their emotions and the reality that they must interact with peers and loved ones while under stressful conditions.
The concept of stoicism is rooted in ancient Greek philosophy and refers to self-control through reason and courage. The military has adopted this idea and encourages soldiers to maintain composure even in dangerous situations. This helps ensure clear thinking and effective action but can make it challenging for soldiers to express emotions, especially when dealing with traumatic experiences.
Soldiers may feel guilty about expressing vulnerability or weakness, as these qualities conflict with traditional masculine ideals of strength and independence. They may also fear being perceived as unfit for service or unable to handle combat. Open communication is crucial in building trust within teams, so some soldiers risk reprimand by breaking down emotional barriers.
One way soldiers reconcile this tension is by compartmentalizing their emotions, separating them from other aspects of life. They may talk about personal issues with family or friends outside of the military setting. Some soldiers develop friendships based on shared experiences, creating a support network that allows them to open up without judgment. Others find outlets such as art or writing to process intense emotions.
This approach has its drawbacks. Soldiers who keep their emotions bottled up may experience negative effects on their mental health over time, leading to depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those who are unable to seek help may suffer in silence, harming both themselves and others around them.
There are structural solutions to this problem as well. Military leaders can create a culture where emotional expression is acceptable and expected, encouraging soldiers to communicate openly and honestly about their struggles. This could improve morale, retention rates, and performance while reducing the stigma associated with seeking assistance.
Finding balance between stoicism and openness is essential for soldiers' well-being. By recognizing the importance of emotional expression and providing safe spaces for it, we can support our troops and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive during deployment.
How do soldiers reconcile emotional openness with the expectations of stoicism in military culture?
Soldiers must navigate a complex set of cultural norms that emphasize strength, resilience, and self-control while also cultivating emotional intimacy and vulnerability with their fellow service members. Despite the military's reputation for promoting stoicism, research suggests that many soldiers experience significant emotional upheaval during deployment and upon returning home.