The need for close personal relationships is universal among people. Many individuals rely on their romantic partnerships to feel safe and secure within themselves, while others look forward to these bonds to share their deepest emotions and experiences. While there are those who opt to be single, most people want to have someone special to lean on when times get tough, celebrate life's best moments with, and spend time with during leisure. For the LGBT service members, balancing relational needs and operational duties can prove challenging due to the nature of their job. The military requires them to prioritize professional identity above all else, even if it means sacrificing intimate connections. This challenge often leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which further affect their ability to function optimally within their work environment. In this article, we will explore how LGBT service members balance relational needs with operational duties, professional identity, and military expectations.
Relational Needs
Relationships are crucial to human existence as they provide an outlet for expression, support in difficult situations, and companionship.
Being a member of the military can put many obstacles in the way of forming such bonds. LGBT service members may struggle to meet new people outside the barracks due to frequent relocations, training schedules that keep them away from home bases, or work assignments far away from civilization.
Traditional dating methods, such as socializing at bars and clubs, might not appeal to everyone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Finding a partner through online dating sites can also pose problems since it is hard to gauge compatibility before meeting in person.
Some states still lack laws protecting LGBT individuals against discrimination, leaving them vulnerable to prejudice while seeking romantic partnerships.
Operational Duties
Military life necessitates strict adherence to regulations and protocols regarding everything from uniform wear to communication habits. It also involves high levels of physical fitness, mental sharpness, and emotional resilience, making it challenging to maintain relationships outside the army.
Some soldiers must undergo regular medical checkups, limit alcohol consumption, attend weekly briefings, and receive specialized trainings during off-duty hours. These activities leave little time for personal pursuits like dating unless prioritized carefully. Moreover, service members must be ready to deploy on short notice, which often disrupts established routines and plans with potential mates.
Professional Identity
Serving one's country demands unwavering loyalty and devotion, overriding any other considerations, including relationships. The military has specific guidelines governing how soldiers interact with loved ones and conduct themselves within the community, even when not in uniform. This expectation requires LGBT service members to suppress personal needs and focus entirely on professional expectations. A failure to comply could result in severe consequences, such as court martial or dismissal from the service. Therefore, many feel pressure to conceal their sexual orientation or gender identity if they do not want to risk losing their careers.
How do LGBT service members balance relational needs with operational duties, professional identity, and military expectations?
One study found that LGBT service members experience difficulties in balancing their personal lives, including relationships, with their work in the military (Sarche et al. , 2016). The main challenges include feelings of isolation, lack of acceptance from peers, and limited opportunities for socialization outside of the military context (Stonewall, 2015).