Soldiers in combat share many challenges including risks to their lives, physical demands, mental stressors, sleep deprivation, and emotional strain. Soldiers also share close quarters and often work side by side for prolonged periods of time without regular breaks from each other. This can lead to situations where soldiers may experience feelings of jealousy, possessiveness, or insecurity towards each other. These feelings can be difficult to navigate and are complicated by the intense nature of military service. In this article, I will discuss how soldiers can recognize these feelings, manage them effectively, and maintain strong bonds with fellow soldiers despite experiencing them.
Recognizing Feelings of Jealousy, Possessiveness, or Insecurity
Soldiers who serve together in close quarters may find themselves developing strong bonds with one another. They may become like family, relying on each other for support and protection while facing shared dangers.
This closeness can sometimes lead to feelings of jealousy, possessiveness, or insecurity when it comes to relationships with other people outside of the unit.
If one soldier develops a romantic relationship with someone outside of the unit, they may feel uncomfortable sharing information about that person with others because they worry about being left out or replaced. Likewise, if a soldier sees another soldier spending time with a friend or family member outside of the unit, they may feel jealous or insecure about the level of attention and affection that person is receiving.
Managing Feelings of Jealousy, Possessiveness, or Insecurity
To manage feelings of jealousy, possessiveness, or insecurity, soldiers must first acknowledge their existence. Soldiers should recognize that these feelings are normal and natural, but they do not have to control their behavior. Instead, they should focus on managing their emotions and expressing them in healthy ways. Some strategies include talking openly with other soldiers about their feelings, setting boundaries with friends and family members outside of the unit, and prioritizing their own needs over those of others. It is also important for soldiers to remember that everyone has different relationships and experiences, so they cannot expect all relationships to be equal.
Maintaining Strong Bonds Despite Feelings of Jealousy, Possessiveness, or Insecurity
Despite experiencing jealousy, possessiveness, or insecurity, soldiers can still maintain strong bonds with fellow soldiers by focusing on shared goals and working together as a team. This means supporting each other through difficult times and celebrating successes together. It also means recognizing and appreciating individual strengths and contributions within the group. By emphasizing the importance of the unit and its mission, soldiers can remind themselves that their bond goes beyond personal relationships and is based on a shared purpose.
How do soldiers navigate feelings of jealousy, possessiveness, or insecurity in the context of shared risk and close quarters?
The psychological factors that can contribute to these feelings include the need for control, trust issues, low self-esteem, and fear of abandonment. These can be exacerbated by the intense situations and stressors of combat, such as long periods of separation from loved ones, exposure to trauma, and heightened levels of physical and mental fatigue.