Relational cues are subtle signals that indicate how close or distant someone is to another person. These can be verbal or nonverbal, such as eye contact, tone of voice, facial expressions, body language, touch, gestures, humor, and physical distance. They provide important information about whether the interaction is friendly, romantic, hostile, or professional. Soldiers need to understand these cues to interact successfully within their unit and with civilians they encounter in the field. In this article, I will discuss how soldiers interpret relational cues to navigate social, ethical, and hierarchical expectations in various situations.
Social Expectations:
Soldiers must follow established norms for interaction in their units, which often involve deference to superiors and respect for subordinates. They may need to make small talk or bond with fellow soldiers through shared experiences, but they also need to maintain boundaries to avoid misunderstandings. Relational cues help them determine what behaviors are appropriate.
If a superior asks them to do something outside of their jurisdiction, they should respond politely but firmly. If a subordinate asks for advice or assistance, they should provide it without violating their privacy. By interpreting relational cues, soldiers can identify when they should act professionally or personally.
Ethical Expectations:
Soldiers may face moral dilemmas when dealing with civilians during deployments. They may feel conflicted between following orders from their commanders and protecting innocent people from harm. Relational cues can indicate the best course of action.
If a civilian offers bribes to expedite services, a soldier should refuse without compromising their integrity. If a civilian asks for medical care, they should ensure that the proper procedures are followed without delay. By interpreting relational cues, soldiers can maintain their ethical standards while staying compliant with military rules.
Hierarchical Expectations:
Soldiers have a clear chain of command within their unit and specific roles assigned to them based on rank. They must follow protocol to maintain order and efficiency. Relational cues can reveal whether someone is higher-ranking than themselves, allowing them to address them properly and carry out instructions correctly.
If an officer enters a room, they should stand at attention and wait to be addressed before speaking. If a noncommissioned officer requests information, they should respond promptly and respectfully. By interpreting relational cues, soldiers can navigate hierarchies appropriately.
Relational cues play a crucial role in shaping interactions among soldiers, who need to balance professionalism, ethics, and hierarchies to succeed in their missions. Soldiers can interpret these cues by observing body language, tone of voice, facial expressions, touch, gestures, humor, and physical distance. This allows them to act accordingly and uphold their duties effectively, both within their unit and with civilians they encounter during deployments.
How do soldiers interpret relational cues to navigate social, ethical, and hierarchical expectations?
Soldiers often rely on nonverbal communication, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, to interpret relational cues that help them navigate complex social situations. In addition to these signals, they may also look for subtle clues from their superiors, including gestures, posture, and dress code. Soldiers are trained to be alert to these signs and use this information to quickly assess the situation and make decisions based on their own judgment and experience.