The word "military" means belonging to an army, especially its armed forces, which protect a country's interests and defend it against enemies. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, "ethics" is defined as "the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation". Therefore, "military ethical standards" refers to the principles that guide actions within the army and ensure that they align with what is right or wrong, just or unjust, and appropriate or inappropriate for their mission. In contrast, coercive practices involve forcing others to do something without their consent, typically through threats, violence, or manipulation. These can include abuse, harassment, humiliation, bullying, or any other form of control or dominance over another person.
In modern militaries around the world, there are regulations and codes of conduct that set boundaries regarding acceptable behavior between service members, including prohibiting sexual misconduct such as rape, assault, and harassment.
Some military cultures accept or even encourage sexual relationships among soldiers while deployed in combat zones, where the stresses of war and the fear of death may lead them to seek comfort and relief. This creates a conflict between military ethical standards and coercive sexual practices since engaging in these activities would violate both personal integrity and respect for others, which are fundamental values of military life.
There are several ways in which this conflict arises.
When soldiers use force, intimidation, or manipulation to persuade a partner into having sex, this could be considered sexual assault under military law.
Engaging in extramarital affairs during deployment can damage unit cohesion, jeopardize operational security, and create animosity among personnel.
If military leaders condone or participate in such behaviors, it sets a bad example for subordinates and undermines trust within the organization.
To avoid these conflicts, militaries must promote open communication about sexuality and healthy relationships, provide resources and support for those who have experienced trauma related to sexual violence, and enforce consequences for those who break the rules. Educating troops on consent, boundaries, and responsible decision-making is also essential. By doing so, they can protect their reputation, maintain high standards of conduct, and foster a culture of mutual respect and trust within their ranks.
What conflicts arise between coercive sexual practices and military ethical standards?
There are several conflicts that can arise between coercive sexual practices and military ethical standards. One of these is the violation of individual privacy and autonomy when forceful actions such as rape occur. This type of behavior undermines the trust and respect necessary for an effective military operation. The repercussions of this lack of trust can extend beyond the immediate situation, potentially harming relationships with commanders, peers, and subordinates.