The military is known for its emphasis on strict rules and regulations that promote discipline and obedience among its members. These rules often require individuals to suppress their natural impulses, including those related to sex and romance. While this may be necessary for operational readiness, it can have significant impacts on personal relationships and mental health. In this article, I will explore how emotional self-control within military culture affects the formation of intimate bonds and what are the long-term psychological consequences of suppressing sexual or romantic needs.
Military culture places great emphasis on maintaining order and control, both on the battlefield and off. This includes controlling one's own emotions and desires, which means repressing natural urges such as sexual attraction and romantic feelings. Soldiers are trained to follow orders without question and to suppress their individuality in favor of group cohesion. This can lead to difficulty forming intimate connections with others outside of the military environment.
The lack of expressive communication between soldiers can also make it difficult to build trust and intimacy with non-military partners. This leads to a disconnect between the soldier's life in the military and their personal life, creating conflict and tension in their relationships. The need to constantly suppress emotions can take a toll on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other negative effects.
Some argue that emotional self-control is essential for mission success. They argue that if soldiers were allowed to act on every impulse, they would not be able to focus on their duties or perform under pressure. Others suggest that the military should do more to support its members' emotional wellbeing, including providing access to counseling and other resources to help them process and manage their feelings.
While emotional self-control may be necessary for military effectiveness, it comes at a cost. Suppressing natural urges like sex and romance can have long-term consequences for psychological health and relationship formation. It is important for the military to find ways to balance discipline with emotional wellbeing and support its members in managing these challenges.