Soldiers are trained to be disciplined, obedient, and to follow orders without question, but they are also individuals who have their own beliefs and values. When placed in a situation where they must make life-and-death decisions that go against these individual beliefs and values, how do they cope with this conflict? How do soldiers reconcile their sense of self with their duty to their country and their comrades? This is a difficult question that has been explored extensively by military psychologists and sociologists. In this article, we will look at some of the ways soldiers can navigate this tension, including through personal reflection, group support, and maintaining connections to family and friends back home.
One way soldiers cope with this tension is through personal reflection. They consider what it means to them to be a soldier, what values and ideals guide them, and what they hope to achieve as an individual. This can help them see beyond the immediate demands of their job and situate themselves within a larger context of meaning and purpose.
One soldier may reflect on his or her desire for justice and fairness, and realize that their actions are contributing to a greater good. Another may think about their love of country and patriotism, and understand that their service is part of a long tradition of sacrifice. By considering their own motivations and goals, soldiers can better align their actions with their values, even if those actions run counter to their personal preferences.
Another way soldiers deal with this tension is through group support. Soldiers rely heavily on each other during times of stress, and work together to ensure success. This shared experience helps them feel connected and supported, and creates a strong bond between them. When faced with challenges, soldiers can lean on each other for advice, guidance, and encouragement. The strength of these relationships allows soldiers to overcome difficulties and maintain a sense of loyalty and camaraderie.
This connection can also make it harder for soldiers to stand up against orders they find morally objectionable, as they do not want to risk letting down their comrades.
Soldiers who maintain close relationships with loved ones at home can help reconcile their duty to their unit with their sense of self. Knowing that there is someone waiting for them back home provides a constant reminder of why they joined the military in the first place: to protect and serve others. Keeping in touch with family and friends can give soldiers a much-needed break from the stresses of combat and remind them of what matters most in life. It can also provide a source of emotional support when things get tough.
One soldier might write home regularly to his or her spouse, sharing stories and updates about their experiences. Another may video chat with their parents every weekend, keeping them apprised of their safety and well-being. By maintaining these connections, soldiers can stay grounded in their values and priorities, even while facing extreme stress.
Being a soldier requires a delicate balance between personal identity and group expectations. Soldiers must be disciplined, obedient, and committed to the mission, but they are also individuals with their own beliefs and values. They navigate this tension through personal reflection, group support, and maintaining connections to family and friends back home. While it is difficult to fully resolve the conflict between these two forces, soldiers have developed strategies to manage it and remain loyal to both their country and themselves.
How do soldiers reconcile personal identity with expectations of loyalty and conformity under extreme stress?
Mental health professionals report that many soldiers have difficulties understanding their roles and identities as they cope with intense pressure and high demands from superiors and fellow members of their unit. While they may feel like they are expected to fit into a specific mold, this can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, especially if they struggle to find common ground among peers who share similar experiences.