Soldiers are often trained to be stoic, strong, and unemotional. They are taught to suppress their feelings, especially those related to love, romance, family, and relationships. This is because they have to remain focused on their duties and mission even when facing dangerous situations.
This can lead to an internal conflict between their personal lives and their professional life. In this essay, I will discuss how soldiers reconcile the tension between emotional vulnerability and professional responsibilities.
One way that soldiers deal with this conflict is by compartmentalizing their lives. They separate their emotions into different parts, allowing them to switch off their feelings when necessary.
They may put aside thoughts about their loved ones while on duty but allow themselves to think about them during breaks or after hours. Another approach is to develop a thicker skin, where they learn to ignore negative comments or insults from others and focus solely on completing their tasks. Soldiers also rely on camaraderie and teamwork to create a supportive environment where they can express their emotions without judgment.
Another strategy used by soldiers is to establish boundaries. By setting clear limits on what they can and cannot talk about, they can protect themselves emotionally. They may choose not to share intimate details of their personal lives with other soldiers or reserve certain topics for private conversation.
They may limit interactions with civilians outside of work to avoid forming attachments that could interfere with their job performance.
Some soldiers seek out therapy or counseling to help them manage their emotions and cope with stress. They recognize that their line of work can take a toll on their mental health and seek professional assistance to deal with it effectively. Counselors provide a safe space for soldiers to express their fears, anxieties, and insecurities without judgement.
Soldiers must navigate a delicate balance between emotional vulnerability and professional responsibilities.
Through various strategies such as compartmentalization, boundary-setting, and seeking support, they are able to maintain their psychological well-being and perform their duties successfully.
How do soldiers reconcile the tension between emotional vulnerability and professional responsibilities?
The psychological and emotional impact of war is intense for those involved on both sides, including military personnel. Military members are often exposed to traumatic events that can leave them feeling emotionally vulnerable, but they also have a duty to perform their job professionally despite these feelings. The reconciliation of this tension between emotional vulnerability and professional responsibilities can be difficult, as there may not always be an easy solution.