The military is an institution that exists to protect society from external threats. It is designed to be efficient, effective, and disciplined, with little room for emotions or personal connections.
Soldiers are human beings who need to feel close to others to function optimally. In this essay, I will discuss how the military culture creates barriers to emotional closeness between service members.
Lack of Privacy
In the civilian world, people have more control over their privacy than they do in the military. Soldiers must share living quarters, bathrooms, showers, and even eating areas with many strangers. They cannot choose whom they want to live with or spend time with. This lack of privacy makes it difficult to establish deep emotional bonds with other soldiers, as there is always someone watching them.
Strict Rules and Procedures
The military has strict rules and procedures that govern every aspect of life. These rules can make it challenging to express emotions freely or intimately.
Soldiers may not talk about their feelings openly because doing so could violate regulations. They also have limited freedom of movement and must follow orders without question. All of these constraints limit the space for genuine connection.
Physical Separation from Families
Most military personnel are stationed far away from home for long periods. This physical separation means they cannot see loved ones often, and they miss out on critical milestones like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries.
Being away from family can create emotional distance and loneliness, making it harder to form strong relationships within the unit.
Shifting Relationships
Military life involves frequent transitions, deployments, and relocations. It's hard to build a relationship when you never know where you will be tomorrow or who you will be working with. Service members must constantly adapt to new people and environments, which can lead to superficial connections instead of lasting bonds.
Differences in Backgrounds and Experiences
Soldiers come from diverse backgrounds and experiences, creating gaps between individuals. Some have had stable childhoods while others have experienced trauma or abuse. These differences can make emotional closeness difficult, as service members may feel uncomfortable sharing their stories or listening to those of others.
Increased Risk Taking
The military is inherently dangerous, and soldiers must take risks that civilians do not face. This creates an environment of fear and stress, which makes it challenging to be vulnerable or open up emotionally. Soldiers may not want to share personal information because it could endanger themselves or others.
Many barriers exist to achieving emotional closeness within the unique interpersonal environment of military service. Lack of privacy, strict rules, physical separation from families, shifting relationships, and different backgrounds all contribute to this issue. Overcoming these obstacles requires effort and understanding on both sides. With patience and communication, however, soldiers can establish meaningful connections despite the challenges they face.
What barriers exist to achieving emotional closeness within the unique interpersonal environment of military service?
The unique environment of military service presents several barriers that can prevent individuals from achieving emotional closeness with their peers. These include physical separation due to frequent relocations, demanding schedules that limit time for socializing, cultural differences between officers and enlisted personnel, strict codes of conduct, and fear of judgment or stigma surrounding mental health concerns.