Soldiers who are stationed for extended periods of time away from their families often form close bonds with one another. These bonds can blur the line between friendship and romance, leading to uncomfortable situations when they return home. This phenomenon is called "fratricide," which refers to killing someone within your own group, such as your fellow soldier or brother in arms. In order to prevent fratricide, soldiers must learn how to negotiate relational boundaries under constant scrutiny.
Relational Boundaries
Relational boundaries refer to the physical, emotional, and social limits that people set for themselves in their interactions with others.
Some people may have a boundary of no PDA (public displays of affection) while other people might be more open about showing love. Soldiers must be able to identify their own personal boundaries and communicate them clearly to their friends. They also need to be aware of the different boundaries that exist in their unit and respect them. If they break these boundaries, it could lead to serious consequences, including being discharged from the military.
Constant Scrutiny
Soldiers live in a highly regulated environment where everything they do is closely monitored by their superiors. This means that every interaction they have is subject to scrutiny, even if it's just joking around with a friend. As a result, soldiers must constantly assess whether their actions will be seen as appropriate by their superiors. This includes things like touching, flirting, and spending too much time together outside of work hours.
Negotiating Boundaries
When soldiers form close bonds, they may find themselves crossing relational boundaries without realizing it. To avoid this, they should regularly check in with each other and make sure they are still comfortable with the level of intimacy in their relationship. They can also create ground rules for their friendship, such as not talking about certain topics or not sharing private information. It's important to remember that these boundaries can change over time, so both parties should be willing to adjust as needed.
Negotiating relational boundaries under constant scrutiny requires effort and self-awareness. Soldiers who want to maintain healthy relationships while serving should take the time to define what is acceptable to them and communicate those limits to their partners. With open communication and mutual respect, soldiers can build strong friendships that don't cross any lines.
How do soldiers negotiate relational boundaries under constant scrutiny?
While it is natural for humans to experience feelings of fear and anxiety when they are put in situations of risk, soldiers are trained to suppress those feelings and act according to their duties while being constantly watched by their superiors and subordinates. They must also manage their relationships with their family members and friends who may worry about them during deployment.