The soldiers are expected to follow strict rules and regulations set by their institutions while they serve in the military.
Despite these guidelines, some soldiers may form personal attachments that go against institutional expectations. To justify or rationalize these attachments, soldiers create internal narratives that help them make sense of their actions and emotions. These internal narratives can take many forms, including justifications based on shared experiences, emotional connections, or cultural norms. By forming these narratives, soldiers can continue to see themselves as good people who do the right thing even when they break institutional guidelines. This article will explore how soldiers develop internal narratives to explain these attachments and how they deal with the consequences of breaking institutional expectations.
Soldiers have different reasons for why they form personal attachments that challenge institutional guidelines. Some soldiers may connect with other soldiers based on shared experiences or beliefs.
If two soldiers share similar backgrounds or values, they may feel an emotional connection that goes beyond simply being colleagues. Other soldiers may form attachments because of cultural differences between them and their unit members. Soldiers from different countries, religions, or ethnicities may find it easier to bond over commonalities than differences. In addition, soldiers may form attachments with non-military individuals such as family members, friends, or partners. These relationships may be more difficult to maintain due to the restrictions placed on communication and time off. Regardless of the reason, soldiers must develop a way to justify these attachments to themselves and others.
One way soldiers can do this is by creating an internal narrative about why their relationship is important or necessary.
A soldier might tell themselves that the relationship helps them feel less lonely or isolated while away from home. They could also rationalize the attachment by saying it allows them to learn more about different cultures or perspectives. Another approach is to justify the attachment by focusing on the positive aspects of the relationship, such as the love and support it provides. By telling themselves a story about why the relationship is valuable, soldiers can continue to see themselves as good people even when they break institutional guidelines.
Forming internal narratives does not always provide a clear path forward. Soldiers who are caught in these situations often face significant consequences, including disciplinary action or separation from the military. To deal with these consequences, some soldiers will try to hide their personal attachments or lie about them. Others may accept the punishment and move on, knowing that the relationship was worth the risk. Either way, the experience can be emotionally challenging for the soldier and their loved ones.
Soldiers form internal narratives to make sense of their emotions and actions when they develop personal attachments that go against institutional expectations. These stories help soldiers continue to see themselves as good people despite breaking guidelines.
There are risks involved in maintaining these relationships, and the consequences can be severe. It's essential to understand how soldiers deal with these issues and what steps can be taken to prevent them from happening.
How do soldiers form internal narratives to justify or rationalize personal attachments that challenge institutional expectations?
The formation of internal narratives is an essential process that helps individuals make sense of their experiences and develop meaningful interpretations of their lives. For soldiers who may face challenges related to their personal attachments while serving in institutions like the military, this process can become even more complex as they struggle with conflicting demands from both their personal and professional roles.