Soldiers face various challenges when it comes to expressing their feelings while serving in the military. They are expected to maintain discipline, be physically fit, and follow orders without question.
They also need to balance these demands with their personal lives, including romantic relationships, friendships, and familial ties. This can create a sense of conflict between what is acceptable within society and what is required within the institution. As a result, soldiers must find ways to reconcile their relational needs with societal and institutional expectations about emotional expression.
One challenge that soldiers may encounter is balancing physical and mental health with emotional expression. The military puts an emphasis on physical strength and endurance, but this can come at the expense of emotional vulnerability. Soldiers who show signs of weakness or emotion may be seen as unfit for duty.
Ignoring their emotions can lead to negative consequences such as burnout, depression, and anxiety. To navigate this dilemma, some soldiers may turn to alternative methods of expression like writing letters, journaling, or art therapy. Others may seek out support from friends or family members outside of the military.
Another challenge is finding time for intimacy and romance while on duty. Military life often involves long hours, irregular schedules, and frequent deployments, making it difficult to maintain a stable relationship. Some soldiers may feel pressure to put their careers ahead of their personal lives, which can strain their relationships over time. To address this issue, many bases offer resources such as marriage counseling, parenting classes, and family retreats.
Some units allow for temporary leaves to attend important events like weddings or births.
Religious beliefs also play a role in how soldiers express themselves emotionally. Many soldiers have strong religious convictions that discourage certain behaviors, such as premarital sex or cohabitation before marriage. These values may conflict with the social norms of other service members, leading to tension within the unit. To resolve this conflict, some soldiers may choose to adhere to their religious beliefs regardless of societal expectations, while others may find ways to compromise without compromising their faith.
Military culture emphasizes loyalty and sacrifice, which can make it difficult for soldiers to prioritize their own needs. They are expected to follow orders without question, even if it means putting aside their emotional needs for the good of the unit. This can lead to feelings of guilt, resentment, and isolation. To cope with these emotions, some soldiers may participate in therapy sessions, seek out support groups, or turn to spiritual practices like meditation or mindfulness exercises.
Soldiers face a unique set of challenges when it comes to expressing their emotions while serving in the military. They must balance societal and institutional expectations with their relational needs, which can be difficult but not impossible. By finding alternative methods of expression, seeking support from loved ones, and navigating conflicts between personal and professional responsibilities, soldiers can maintain healthy relationships both inside and outside the military.
How do soldiers reconcile relational needs with societal and institutional expectations about emotional expression?
The reconciliation of relational needs with societal and institutional expectations about emotional expression is not always easy for soldiers because they are expected to suppress their emotions and display only positive attitudes towards others, especially when interacting with commanders and colleagues. According to research, this pressure can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).