Most studies about the impact of war on soldiers focus on the effect of combat stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, moral injury, etc.
There are few discussions regarding the effects of military service on soldier's sexual identity and relational orientation. The objective of this essay is to investigate how the absence of civilian social roles influences soldiers' understanding of their sexual identity and relational orientation.
Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human existence that can affect an individual's behavior, attitudes, beliefs, emotions, and identity. When individuals enter into the armed forces, they leave behind their civic life, family, friends, and relationships for an extended period, which could lead to confusion regarding their sexual preferences and identities. Military training and environment shape soldier's socialization and create challenges in their personal life, including sexually.
In most countries, the military has strict regulations governing what soldiers do during their free time and when they must report back to duty. Soldiers are expected to follow orders without questioning or criticizing them. This obedience mentality may influence the perception of their superiors as the only authority figures in their lives, making them look up to them for guidance and approval. Therefore, some soldiers become confused about their sexual identity since they cannot relate with others who share similar values.
Military lifestyle also introduces a high degree of physical closeness between soldiers, often resulting in same-sex intimacy. Soldiers living together in close quarters, sleeping in the same rooms and sharing bathrooms, may engage in casual sex due to boredom, loneliness, and stress. These experiences may complicate soldiers' sexual identity by causing them to question their sexual orientation.
Soldiers often have limited interaction with people from other cultures, races, religions, and backgrounds due to military rules and the nature of combat operations. Some soldiers find it difficult to relate to these groups, leading to confusion about their sexuality. The absence of civilian roles makes it hard for soldiers to explore romantic relationships, resulting in difficulty in maintaining long-term committed partnerships.
The lack of familiarity with civilians may make soldiers more attractive to fellow comrades, creating an erotic bond that is challenging to break.
Most soldiers view this attraction as normal and necessary for survival in battle, which can lead to complex feelings about themselves and those around them.
A soldier may feel guilty about being attracted to another man while fighting alongside him, affecting their understanding of their sexual orientation.
Military training teaches soldiers to suppress emotion and be tough, making them less likely to openly express emotions or feelings. This mentality makes it difficult for soldiers to connect with others on an emotional level, including friends and family members back home. Without external support, soldiers struggle to understand their sexual preferences and develop healthy relationships. They may also experience difficulty in communicating with their spouses regarding intimacy and sexual needs, leading to misunderstanding and frustration.
The absence of civilian social roles influences soldiers' understanding of sexual identity and relational orientation because they leave behind their pre-military life, values, beliefs, and perceptions. The physical closeness, limited interactions with people from other cultures, and suppression of emotions result in confusion about their sexual orientation and ability to maintain healthy relationships.
How does the absence of civilian social roles influence soldiers' understanding of sexual identity and relational orientation?
The absence of civilian social roles can have a significant impact on how soldiers understand their sexual identity and relational orientation. In many cases, soldiers may feel that their sexual identities are being suppressed or ignored by society, leading to feelings of confusion and disconnection from others. Additionally, the lack of exposure to diverse relationships and relationship dynamics within military culture can make it difficult for soldiers to develop healthy relationship skills and expectations outside of the military setting.