Soldiers are individuals who have chosen to serve their country and defend it against all enemies, foreign and domestic. They are trained to follow orders without question and put themselves in harm's way for the greater good.
This does not mean that they can simply ignore their own beliefs and values when facing situations where they must make difficult choices. Navigating conflicts between personal authenticity, peer expectations, and operational demands is an important part of being a soldier. This essay will explore how soldiers do so through three main perspectives: authenticity, conformity, and responsibility.
Authenticity refers to being true to oneself and one's beliefs. For many soldiers, this means standing up for what they believe in despite peer pressure or operational demands. Soldiers may find themselves in positions where they need to act contrary to their beliefs to survive, but they should always strive to remain true to themselves. One example is during war, where soldiers may be ordered to kill innocent civilians. If this goes against their moral code, they must stand firm in their convictions and refuse to carry out such orders. Another example is during training, where they may be asked to perform drills that go against their ethical standards. In both cases, soldiers must maintain integrity by remaining honest with themselves about what they can and cannot do.
Conformity refers to following social norms and expectations. For soldiers, this means fitting into the military culture and adhering to its rules and regulations. This includes dress codes, behavioral guidelines, and expectations around authority figures. Peer pressure can be strong in the military, especially among those who have been there longer than others. New recruits may feel pressure to adopt certain attitudes or behaviors to fit in, even if it goes against their beliefs or values.
It is essential for soldiers to remain independent thinkers and not fall prey to groupthink. They should also understand the importance of being a team player while still retaining their individuality.
Responsibility refers to taking ownership of one's actions and decisions. As soldiers, they are responsible for protecting their fellow troops and completing their missions successfully. At times, this may mean making difficult choices that conflict with personal authenticity or peer expectations.
Soldiers may need to break ranks to save another soldier from harm. While this goes against conformity, it is necessary for fulfilling their duties as a member of the unit. Soldiers must balance these responsibilities carefully and consider all possible outcomes before making any decision.
Navigating conflicts between personal authenticity, peer expectations, and operational demands is an integral part of being a successful soldier. They must stay true to themselves while understanding the importance of fitting into the military culture and taking responsibility for their actions. By doing so, they can ensure that they make sound decisions that serve both their personal and professional needs.
How do soldiers navigate conflicts between personal authenticity, peer expectations, and operational demands?
Soldiers have always faced challenges in navigating conflicts between personal authenticity, peer expectations, and operational demands. When entering military service, individuals often experience a dramatic shift from civilian life to a more regimented lifestyle where they are expected to conform to the rules, regulations, and traditions of their unit.