Soldiers are human beings like all others, so they also experience sexual desire and attraction to other people.
They have to follow strict rules when it comes to expressing their sexual orientation because of the nature of their work. In this essay, I will explain how soldiers manage their sexual desires while being exposed to the dangers of war.
Before going into details, let's clarify what exactly is "sexual curiosity." It is a natural urge that everyone feels towards someone else's body, especially during adolescence or young age. Curiosity about sexuality may involve touching yourself, watching pornography, having sex, talking about sex, fantasizing about sex, or simply thinking about it. Sexual curiosity is different from lust because it is not always about wanting to get physical but rather about exploring one's own sexuality.
Why do soldiers need to deal with fear? There is no doubt that being a soldier involves serious responsibilities and risks. Soldiers put themselves in danger every day, which means that they could lose their lives if something goes wrong. They might also suffer serious injuries and face death threats, both physically and emotionally. This stressful situation makes them feel more vulnerable than usual. Moreover, soldiers often find themselves in situations where they cannot control their emotions and feelings, including those related to intimacy and eroticism. So, they can become obsessed with thoughts about love, sex, and relationships, even though it is taboo for them as professionals.
Soldiers must be extremely careful about what they say or do since they represent an institution with high standards. Talking about sex in public, flirting with other people, or engaging in erotic acts could lead to negative consequences such as demotion, expulsion from the army, social judgment, or even legal action. These repercussions are not only professional but also personal because of how society views military members. Society believes that they should be pure and untouched by temptations. Therefore, soldiers have learned to repress their desires, acting like robots when around others.
This constant pressure is exhausting and can cause psychological problems over time.
What strategies do soldiers use to manage their sexual curiosity while on duty? Some of them avoid contact with women completely, focusing only on work-related tasks. Others try to satisfy themselves through masturbation, pornography, or online chat rooms. A few soldiers develop friendships with other men and women without getting too physical, which helps them feel less lonely and isolated. It's important to note that these strategies might not always work, especially if there is a lack of communication between partners or no opportunity to explore one's sexuality safely.
Being a soldier is hard, stressful, and dangerous, so soldiers need to find ways to cope with their fears and feelings. Although some may succeed in hiding their desires, others cannot control their impulses, leading to problematic situations. I hope this essay has helped you understand why it is difficult for soldiers to express their sexual curiosity and how they deal with it.
How do soldiers reconcile sexual curiosity with fear of social judgment or professional repercussions?
Soldiers often struggle to balance their sexual desires with their professional obligations and cultural expectations, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety about exploring those desires. Additionally, fear of social judgment can also play a significant role in preventing them from expressing their curiosity openly.