Soldiers are trained to work together in diverse situations and under difficult conditions. They learn how to cooperate, coordinate and communicate effectively with different cultures and backgrounds. This experience shapes their attitudes towards interpersonal relations and helps them develop an ethical code based on mutual respect and understanding.
Soldiers must be able to recognize cultural differences between themselves and their colleagues. This includes identifying communication styles, values, beliefs, traditions, customs, and taboos that may influence behavior. Once they understand these differences, soldiers can create common ground to build effective working relationships. They can also avoid stereotypes, prejudices, and misconceptions by being open-minded and curious about each other's experiences.
A soldier from a Western country may have never seen a Muslim woman before but after interacting with her during a mission, he learns about Islamic culture and appreciates it.
Soldiers need to develop empathy for others and put themselves in their shoes. They should listen actively to others' perspectives and try to understand their point of view. This involves acknowledging emotions, needs, and desires, as well as considering factors such as age, gender, social status, education, and occupation.
A female soldier may realize she has more in common with a male soldier than she thought when they both share similar interests or struggles.
Soldiers should practice collaboration and teamwork with their colleagues. They should support each other's ideas, decisions, and efforts, even if they disagree. Soldiers should show gratitude, kindness, and generosity, while also taking responsibility for mistakes or failures. They should maintain transparency and honesty and provide constructive feedback.
A group of soldiers may find a compromise solution that satisfies everyone involved, regardless of their backgrounds or nationalities.
Soldiers must consider the long-term effects of their actions on those around them. They should be accountable for their choices and behavior, always acting ethically and morally. They should respect privacy, confidentiality, and consent at all times. This means avoiding any form of exploitation or abuse.
Soldiers who work closely together might form friendships or romantic relationships which require mutual understanding and care.
Cross-cultural collaboration challenges soldiers to rethink their values and beliefs, but it also provides valuable learning opportunities. It teaches them how to connect with people from different cultures and builds empathy and trust. Through this process, soldiers develop a personal relational ethic based on mutual respect, understanding, cooperation, and communication.
How do soldiers integrate experiences of cross-cultural operational collaboration into personal relational ethics?
The experience of collaborating with soldiers from different cultures may influence personal relationships by teaching individuals how to adapt their behavior, communication styles, and values to diverse situations. Soldiers may learn to appreciate cultural differences and develop empathy for others' perspectives, which can help them build stronger relationships within their unit. Additionally, they may gain insights into their own culture and beliefs through comparison and reflection, leading to a greater understanding of themselves and those around them.