Soldiers are trained to suppress their emotions for the good of the team. They learn how to control their feelings and act stoically in all situations, even when they are under extreme stress or facing life-threatening dangers.
This can make it difficult for them to express themselves emotionally, especially when it comes to navigating close relationships with others. To avoid compromising unit cohesion, soldiers must find ways to navigate emotional expression while maintaining professionalism and respect for their comrades. This requires a delicate balance between self-expression and restraint. In this article, we will explore how soldiers manage these challenges and remain effective members of their units.
Soldiers rely heavily on their comrades during training and combat. They must work together as a team to achieve success. Any show of weakness, such as an outburst of anger or sadness, could potentially disrupt this teamwork and put everyone at risk. As a result, soldiers learn to control their emotions and keep them hidden behind a facade of strength and resilience. But this also means that they may struggle to form strong bonds with one another outside of the battlefield. They may feel isolated and alone, unable to share their deepest fears and desires.
Soldiers need human connection just like anyone else. They have families, friends, and romantic partners back home who they miss and long to connect with. And in combat, soldiers often develop strong emotional connections with their comrades. These relationships provide support and companionship in dangerous environments where trust is essential. So, soldiers must strike a balance between suppressing their emotions and finding ways to connect with others.
One way soldiers navigate emotional expression is by using humor. Humor helps lighten the mood and create a sense of camaraderie among troops. It allows soldiers to bond over shared experiences and release tension without compromising unit cohesion.
It can be difficult to know when jokes go too far and become offensive or insulting. Soldiers must exercise caution when making jokes about sensitive topics or individuals.
Another way soldiers express themselves emotionally is through physical contact. Touch is an important part of human communication, and soldiers sometimes use it to convey affection or comfort for one another. This can include hugs, handshakes, high-fives, and even kisses on the cheek.
These gestures should always be consensual and appropriate for the situation. Inappropriate touching could lead to misunderstandings or conflicts within the unit.
Some soldiers find relief in talking to chaplains or counselors. These professionals offer confidential spaces where soldiers can discuss their struggles and receive support without worrying about judgment or repercussions from their comrades. Chaplains are trained to listen actively and offer guidance on how soldiers can cope with stress and trauma. They may also refer soldiers to additional resources, such as group therapy or counseling.
Navigating emotional expression while maintaining unit cohesion requires careful consideration and self-awareness. Soldiers must balance their need for connection and support with the demands of professionalism and teamwork. By finding healthy outlets for their feelings, soldiers can remain effective members of their units while still maintaining strong personal relationships outside of combat.
How do soldiers navigate emotional expression while maintaining unit cohesion?
Soldiers often encounter challenges when it comes to navigating their emotions while maintaining unit cohesion due to cultural expectations of masculinity and social norms surrounding emotionality. Research suggests that men who express vulnerability and emotion are perceived as weak and unfit for combat, leading many to suppress these feelings.