The military is an organization that requires strict adherence to rules and regulations. This includes the way soldiers express themselves emotionally and sexually. While there are many instances where this can be challenging for soldiers, there are also ways they can navigate these situations effectively.
One of the most important aspects of navigating relational ambiguity in the military is understanding the institutional norms that govern behavior. These norms dictate what is acceptable and what is not when it comes to emotional expression, including showing affection towards others, sharing personal feelings, and engaging in physical contact such as hugging or kissing. Soldiers must abide by these norms if they want to avoid discipline or punishment.
Sometimes these norms may prevent them from expressing their true feelings towards someone else.
A soldier may feel attracted to another person but cannot show this openly due to fear of violating regulations. In these cases, they need to find creative ways to express their emotions without breaking the rules.
Another factor that affects how soldiers navigate relational ambiguity is hierarchical dynamics. The military has a clear hierarchy with different ranks and levels of authority. This can make it difficult for soldiers to express intimacy or sexual attraction towards someone higher up in rank than them. They may worry about being seen as disrespectful or making a superior uncomfortable. To navigate this situation, they need to be aware of boundaries and respect the power dynamic between them. They should also try to build trust and mutual respect before attempting any type of romantic relationship.
Operational demands can create additional complications for soldiers who want to express themselves emotionally or sexually. The military requires soldiers to focus on their mission first and foremost, which means they may have limited time or energy to devote to relationships outside of work. This can lead to tension between work and personal life, as well as challenges in maintaining healthy communication and connection within a relationship. To address this challenge, soldiers need to prioritize their needs and communicate clearly with their partners about what they can and cannot do given the demands of their job.
Navigating relational ambiguity in the military can be complex, but there are strategies that soldiers can use to effectively manage this situation. Understanding institutional norms, respecting hierarchical dynamics, and balancing operational demands are all important steps in creating healthy, fulfilling relationships while serving in the military.
How do soldiers navigate relational ambiguity when institutional norms, hierarchical dynamics, and operational demands constrain emotional and sexual expression?
The research by Barker et al (2014) on 273 American military veterans demonstrated that soldiers can have difficulties navigating relational ambiguity due to various factors, including institutional norms, hierarchical dynamics, and operational demands. Institutional norms may require soldiers to suppress their emotions and avoid physical contact with other members of the unit, which can make it difficult for them to form close relationships.