Soldiers' Identity Crises
The transition from civilian life to the military can be difficult for many reasons. One of them is the way it affects an individual's sense of self. In civilian society, people are accustomed to making their own choices about how they want to behave and interact with others. They choose what clothes to wear, which music to listen to, who to date, how much time to spend with family and friends.
When entering the military, these decisions become less important, and soldiers must follow strict rules that govern almost every aspect of their lives. The hierarchical structure of the military means that individuals have to give up some control over themselves and submit to higher authority figures. This process of conforming to military norms often results in a loss of identity as civilians adjust to their new roles as service members.
Cultural Differences between Civilian Life and Military Life
In addition to the rigid hierarchy, there are other cultural differences between civilian life and military life that can cause confusion for recruits.
Military culture emphasizes obedience and respect for authority figures while civilian culture places greater value on personal autonomy and individual expression. As a result, many recruits struggle with understanding the new expectations placed upon them by their superiors.
Military culture promotes physical fitness and strength training while civilian life may not place such emphasis on those traits. This difference can lead to feelings of alienation among recruits who feel out of place in the new environment.
Maintaining Relational Identity in Military Culture
Despite these challenges, many soldiers find ways to maintain their identities within the context of military life. One way is through relationships with fellow soldiers. Soldiers form strong bonds with each other based on shared experiences and common interests, allowing them to connect on an emotional level despite the stresses of military life. They also seek out opportunities to interact socially outside of the barracks or base, attending social events and making friends with civilians. Some soldiers even choose to join clubs or organizations that cater to their interests, providing them with a sense of belonging and community.
Challenges Faced by Women in the Military
Women face additional challenges when it comes to maintaining relational identity in the military due to gender-specific issues like sexual harassment and discrimination. Many women report feeling objectified by male soldiers and being pressured into sexual encounters they do not want. These incidents can damage their sense of self and make it difficult for them to trust others.
Women must navigate the unique demands of pregnancy and childbirth while serving in the military, which can be stressful and isolating. Despite these difficulties, some women find support networks within the military that help them cope with these issues.
How do soldiers maintain relational identity while adapting to the hierarchical demands of military culture?
The process of "adapting" to military culture involves redefining one's self and social identity within this new context. Soldiers must understand that they are no longer civilians but rather members of an organization with a distinct set of values, norms, and expectations. This can be difficult as many individuals have preconceived notions about how they should act and behave outside of the military environment.