Soldiers are taught to separate their emotions from their job responsibilities. They must be able to detach themselves from the people they work with and see them as objects to accomplish their mission objectives.
Some soldiers form strong personal connections while working together, which can lead to difficulties when their assignments come to an end. Soldiers need to understand the difference between short-term emotional bonds, like those formed during deployment, and long-term relational commitments. Emotional bonds occur spontaneously and are usually based on positive experiences shared together. These bonds may include sharing hardships, challenges, triumphs, successes, failures, and other experiences that build trust and closeness. On the other hand, long-term relational commitments involve deeper levels of connection than just friendship or companionship. Relationships require time, effort, communication, loyalty, respect, intimacy, and trust.
Long-term relational commitments often begin with physical attraction but develop into a deeper bond over time. The physical attraction aspect is crucial for sparking interest in one another, leading to getting to know each other better. As the relationship progresses, both parties learn about each other's interests, values, likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, goals, hopes, dreams, fears, beliefs, and more. This knowledge helps create a strong foundation upon which the relationship is built. Long-term relationships also require understanding, forgiveness, compromise, sacrifice, and patience.
Emotional bonds are not necessarily romantic or sexual. They do not have to be exclusive to either sex. Emotional bonds can form between men or women and are based on similarities rather than differences. Both parties must feel comfortable opening up to each other without fear of judgment. When the assignment ends, these connections often end too.
If the two people stay in touch and continue developing their relationship after the mission ends, it could evolve into something more significant over time.
Soldiers should carefully consider the nature of the bond they have formed before taking it further. If it's an emotional connection formed during deployment, they need to evaluate whether it will last once they return home. If it's a long-term relationship, they must decide if they want to pursue it beyond their current assignment.
Soldiers must prioritize their duties first and ensure they remain objective and professional while making decisions about their personal lives.
How do soldiers differentiate between short-term emotional bonds and long-term relational commitments?
Soldiers can develop both short-term emotional bonds and long-term relational commitments with their fellow soldiers during military service. Short-term emotional bonds typically arise from shared experiences and close interactions within a unit, such as going through training together or fighting side by side on the battlefield. These bonds are often based on feelings of camaraderie, trust, and loyalty but may not necessarily lead to a deeper connection or lasting relationship after leaving the military.