The military is an institution that requires discipline, focus, and dedication to service above all else. Soldiers must follow orders without question, even when those orders conflict with personal beliefs or moral values. They must also maintain close relationships with their fellow soldiers while remaining objective during combat situations. This can create a tension between relational loyalty and professional duty that often leads to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
I will explore how soldiers negotiate the tension between relational loyalty and professional duty and what are the psychological consequences of these decisions. First, let's define what we mean by "relational loyalty" and "professional duty." Relational loyalty refers to the emotional bond that develops between members of a unit. It is based on mutual trust, respect, and understanding. Professional duty, on the other hand, is a soldier's obligation to serve their country through obedience to military law and regulations. When these two concepts collide, it can be difficult for soldiers to reconcile them.
Consider the case of a soldier who sees his comrade violating military protocol during a mission. The soldier may feel conflicted about reporting him to his superiors out of fear of damaging their relationship, but he also knows that failure to do so could jeopardize the mission's success. In this situation, the soldier must decide whether to prioritize his friendship or his professional obligations.
The psychological consequences of navigating this tension can be significant. Soldiers who struggle with relational loyalty and professional duty may experience guilt, shame, and anxiety. They may also suffer from PTSD or depression due to the moral dilemmas they face.
Soldiers who struggle with relational loyalty and professional duty may have difficulty forming relationships outside of the military, as they may view all relationships as potentially competing with their sense of duty.
To mitigate these effects, some militaries offer counseling and therapy services for soldiers struggling with mental health issues related to relational loyalty and professional duty.
Many soldiers hesitate to seek help because of stigma surrounding mental illness in the military.
Relational loyalty and professional duty are two critical concepts in military life that often conflict with each other. How soldiers navigate this tension has psychological implications that can affect both their personal lives and their ability to serve effectively in the military. By understanding how soldiers negotiate these competing demands, we can better support them in their service and care for their well-being.
How do soldiers negotiate the tension between relational loyalty and professional duty, and what are the psychological consequences?
Soldiers face a difficult dilemma when it comes to balancing their loyalties towards their relationships with their peers and their commitment to their military duties. The tension arises because of the unique circumstances that military personnel are exposed to, which require them to put their lives on the line for the sake of others. This can lead to feelings of guilt and anxiety if they prioritize one over the other, as both types of obligations are important to them.