Soldiers are trained to be disciplined, resilient, physically fit, mentally tough, and highly skilled in their respective fields. They are expected to uphold strict codes of conduct that promote teamwork, loyalty, and integrity while serving their country and its interests.
Despite their seemingly stoic exterior, they are also human beings who feel emotions such as love, affection, and vulnerability just like anyone else. In fact, interdependence and mutual support play an important role in keeping soldiers motivated and focused during challenging times.
Institutional culture shapes how soldiers think about emotional interdependence and mutual support in several ways. Firstly, it reinforces the importance of teamwork and camaraderie among soldiers, which promotes a sense of belongingness and encourages them to rely on each other for support. Soldiers learn to trust one another and build strong relationships based on shared experiences and common goals. This creates a bond that transcends rank or position, making them feel more connected to each other emotionally. Secondly, institutional culture emphasizes the need for selfless service, sacrifice, and commitment to duty. This fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility towards fellow soldiers, leading them to put the needs of others before their own.
Institutional culture can also limit soldiers' emotional expression and intimacy with each other. The military lifestyle is often characterized by long periods of separation from loved ones, intense training regimes, and high-pressure missions that leave little time for personal lives. As a result, soldiers may develop close bonds with their colleagues but remain guarded when it comes to expressing emotions openly. They may fear being perceived as weak or unprofessional if they show too much vulnerability or dependence on others.
Some cultural norms around masculinity discourage men from showing emotions such as sadness or empathy, further hindering their ability to connect emotionally with their comrades.
Even within these constraints, soldiers find ways to create spaces where they can express themselves emotionally and receive mutual support.
They may engage in activities such as singing, storytelling, or playing games together that allow them to relax and unwind while still maintaining discipline and focus. They may also seek out social networks outside of work to connect with family members or friends who understand their unique experiences.
Institutional culture shapes how soldiers think about emotional interdependence and mutual support, but it does not determine whether they will choose to prioritize those relationships. Soldiers are complex individuals capable of navigating multiple facets of life, including their emotional wellbeing.
How does institutional culture shape the ways soldiers think about emotional interdependence and mutual support?
Institutional culture is an important factor that shapes the ways soldiers perceive their relationship with others within the army. It affects how they interact with each other emotionally and how they provide mutual support during difficult times. Soldiers who are trained in a military environment develop certain beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors that influence their perception of interpersonal relationships.