When it comes to the issue of military inclusion, there is a tension between personal identity and collective duty that cannot be ignored. On one hand, individuals may feel the need to express their unique identities through their actions and behaviors, including when they are part of a larger group such as the military.
This desire for self-expression can conflict with the collective duties expected of them as members of the armed forces. This tension highlights the importance of ethics in determining how far an individual's personal choices should go when they contradict the requirements of their profession. It also raises important questions about the role of the military in society and what kind of conduct is acceptable within its ranks. In this essay, we will explore these ideas in greater depth, examining both sides of the argument and looking at real-world examples.
The debate surrounding personal identity and collective duty has been around since the beginning of time, but it has taken on new relevance in recent years due to increased awareness of social justice issues. As society becomes more diverse and inclusive, people have become more conscious of their own identities and how they relate to others. For some, this means embracing their differences and celebrating them openly; for others, it means hiding or repressing aspects of themselves in order to fit into a broader community. The same tension exists within the military, where soldiers must balance their individual needs with those of their unit.
On the one hand, many argue that personal identity should be respected and allowed to flourish within the bounds of professionalism. They believe that each person brings something unique to the table, and that this diversity can enrich the military's mission. Some suggest that allowing soldiers to express themselves through dress, hairstyle, or other means helps build morale and team spirit. Others point out that suppressing someone's true self can lead to resentment and disengagement from work. At the very least, they argue, everyone deserves to feel comfortable being who they are without fear of retribution or punishment.
There are those who say that personal expression goes too far when it interferes with the military's ability to function effectively. They contend that a soldier's job is to defend his country, not promote personal causes. They argue that uniformity is essential for maintaining discipline and cohesion among troops. If everyone starts doing whatever they want, chaos could ensue.
They point out that certain behaviors - such as sexual activity outside of marriage or wearing religious symbols - violate regulations and undermine the chain of command. In short, they believe that personal identity must take a backseat to collective duty.
In practice, the line between personal identity and collective duty can be difficult to draw.
Some have raised concerns about transgender individuals serving in the armed forces due to their ability to pass physical tests or undergo long deployments without access to necessary medical care.
Others argue that these issues can be addressed on an individual basis rather than banning entire groups of people from service. Similarly, soldiers with certain religious beliefs may object to participating in missions that go against their faith, but this does not necessarily mean that they should be excluded from joining the military altogether.
Ethics will play a key role in determining how the tension between personal identity and collective duty is resolved. The military needs to find ways to balance its commitment to equality and diversity with its mission requirements while also upholding standards of conduct expected of all members. It is up to leaders at every level to create policies and procedures that allow for both freedom of expression and effective operations. Only then can the military continue to recruit and retain talented personnel who are committed to defending our nation's interests.
What does the tension between personal identity and collective duty reveal about the ethics of military inclusion?
The conflict between personal identity and communal obligation exposes an underlying issue regarding the ethics of incorporating the armed forces with LGBTQ+ people, specifically transgender individuals. While trans individuals are now permitted to serve openly as per policy changes implemented by the US Military Department, it has become evident that their inclusion may result in some moral dilemmas for both themselves and their comrades, especially during deployment.