There are various reasons why men and women can join the military forces, which may include serving their country, earning money, gaining training and skills, seeking adventure, etc.
There are times when these individuals encounter conflicting feelings towards each other that can make it difficult for them to function effectively as a team member. This situation is known as relational ambivalence, where they experience emotional confusion and uncertainty about whether they should develop romantic or sexual relationships with one another. In this article, we will discuss how soldiers navigate such situations, considering attachment, desire, and survival needs.
Attachment
One possible reason why soldiers experience relational ambivalence is because of attachment issues. When people become close to someone else, they often form an emotional bond called attachment. According to Bowlby's theory, attachment is essential for human development because it provides a sense of security and belongingness. If soldiers feel attached to their fellow soldiers, they might have difficulty separating themselves from them during combat missions. This could lead to guilt and anxiety if they believe that their actions put their comrades in danger. On the other hand, if they do not feel attached to their teammates, they might be less motivated to work together and protect one another, leading to negative consequences for both parties.
Desire
Another factor contributing to relational ambivalence is desire. Some soldiers may find themselves attracted to their fellow soldiers despite the risks involved. They might even experience sexual tension and intimacy while engaging in dangerous activities like combat.
Pursuing romantic or sexual relationships can jeopardize their safety and mission success.
If two soldiers fall in love and get married, they might prioritize their personal relationship over their duties, putting everyone else at risk.
They might experience shame and guilt if they are caught having sex on duty, which can affect their reputation within the unit and overall morale.
Survival Needs
Survival needs also play a significant role in how soldiers navigate relational ambivalence. During war, soldiers must focus on their primary task - surviving and completing their mission objectives. This means that they cannot afford to let their emotions interfere with their job performance. Therefore, they might suppress their feelings and avoid developing close bonds with others to maintain composure under pressure. In extreme situations, such as when facing death, soldiers may prioritize self-preservation above all else, resulting in conflict between attachment, desire, and survival needs.
Navigating relational ambivalence can be challenging for soldiers due to conflicting emotional responses towards each other. Attachment, desire, and survival needs often collide, making it difficult to determine what actions to take. To manage this situation effectively, soldiers need to balance these factors carefully and communicate openly about their needs and concerns. Through mutual support and understanding, they can work together despite their differences and achieve their goals successfully.
How do soldiers navigate relational ambivalence when attachment, desire, and survival needs are misaligned?
In many cases, navigating relational ambivalence can be challenging for soldiers who have to balance their attachment, desire, and survival needs. While attachment refers to the need to form close bonds with others, desire implies a yearning for intimacy and physical closeness, and survival necessitates focusing on one's immediate safety, these three concepts may not always align.