The ability to connect with others is an innate human desire that can bring joy, fulfillment, and meaning to life. It is also a crucial part of soldiering, allowing soldiers to build camaraderie, trust, and support in their units.
The psychological demands of warfare require emotional distancing from others to protect against trauma, fear, and grief. This creates a tension between the need for connection and the need for guardedness. Soldiers must find ways to reconcile these conflicting desires while maintaining their mental health and performance on the battlefield.
Historical perspectives
In ancient times, soldiers often fought alongside close friends and family members, forming deep bonds that strengthened unit cohesion.
As armies grew larger and more professionalized, they became less familiar with each other, leading to increased distance and isolation. The modern military has sought to address this issue through training programs like unit cohesion exercises and bonding activities. But even with these efforts, soldiers still face challenges in connecting emotionally due to the constant stress and danger of combat.
Psychology of connection
Connection involves developing intimacy, vulnerability, and trust within relationships. This requires openness, honesty, and empathy, which can be difficult in high-stakes situations where survival is paramount. Soldiers may feel compelled to suppress their emotions or act stoically to appear strong and reliable. They may also avoid risks that could jeopardize their safety and the success of their mission. As a result, they may struggle to form meaningful connections that meet both their personal and professional needs.
Strategies for reconciliation
To navigate this tension, some soldiers seek out supportive friendships outside their units, such as through religious groups or online communities. Others prioritize self-care practices like meditation or exercise to manage their emotional energy. Many organizations offer counseling and therapy services to help soldiers process trauma and build resilience. Some have implemented policies encouraging soldiers to take breaks from combat operations to rest and reconnect with loved ones.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but soldiers must find ways to balance their psychological needs with their duties as warriors.
How do soldiers reconcile the desire for connection with the psychological need to remain emotionally guarded for survival?
The emotional dissonance between the desire for human connection and the necessity to protect oneself from harm can be challenging for soldiers who are required to maintain constant vigilance during combat situations. This challenge is not unique to military service but is a common experience shared by many individuals who have experienced trauma or stressful events that compromise their sense of safety and security.