Military culture has had significant impacts on how people express themselves emotionally, behave sexually, and establish romantic relationships. It is difficult to talk about these topics because they are often considered sensitive and personal matters.
Understanding how military culture influences them is essential for those who wish to be successful in their careers and develop healthy relationships outside of the service.
In terms of emotional expression, military culture encourages stoicism and self-reliance. Soldiers must be able to maintain composure under stressful situations without showing weakness or vulnerability. This mentality can lead to suppressing feelings such as sadness, anger, fear, and joy. Instead, soldiers may bottle up emotions until they become explosive outbursts or manifest physically through health problems like headaches and stomach issues.
Sexual behavior within the military also differs from that of civilian life. Many soldiers have sex with other members of the opposite sex during deployment to relieve stress and loneliness. Some may feel pressured into having sex before marriage due to the social norms within their unit. Others may engage in casual sexual encounters outside of the military setting. These behaviors can result in guilt, shame, and long-term consequences like STDs, unplanned pregnancies, and broken relationships.
Military culture promotes traditional gender roles and hierarchies. Men and women are expected to act differently based on their gender identity, rank, and position within the unit.
Male officers are typically expected to dominate female subordinates while enlisted men are taught to protect and provide for their families. These expectations can make it challenging for people to express themselves authentically and form lasting relationships based on mutual respect and equality.
Military culture shapes how people communicate emotionally, behave sexually, and develop romantic connections by encouraging stoicism, promoting casual sex, and reinforcing traditional gender roles. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those who want to thrive personally and professionally after leaving the service.
In what ways does military culture shape relational norms, sexual behavior, and emotional expression?
The US military instills strict codes of conduct among its members which may be different from civilian society. Military personnel are expected to obey orders, respect authority figures, maintain discipline, act honorably, and uphold tradition. These values shape their interactions with others, including romantic partners. Sexual relations can also be regulated by rules governing fraternization, adultery, consensual sex, homosexuality, transgenderism, pornography, and prostitution.