Throughout history, societies have held up toughness as an ideal quality for soldiers to possess. In this age of modern warfare, where technology plays such a critical role in battlefield success, it is still believed that showing emotional weakness can be seen as a sign of cowardice or unfitness for duty.
Research has shown that even the most elite soldiers struggle with balancing their emotions during combat operations. As more soldiers return home from deployment with mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, there is growing recognition that soldiers must find ways to reconcile these conflicting expectations.
In order to understand how soldiers reconcile their vulnerabilities with expectations of toughness, it is important to look at what makes them feel emotionally vulnerable in the first place. During times of high stress, such as in combat situations, soldiers experience intense fear and anxiety that can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. These feelings are often associated with thoughts about death and dying, which can lead to guilt and shame if they fail to protect themselves or their comrades.
Soldiers may feel guilty for causing collateral damage or killing innocent civilians, which further compounds their emotional distress.
To deal with these emotions, many soldiers turn to rituals and routines that help them cope.
Some units have pre-combat preparation exercises that involve physical activity or team bonding activities. Others rely on humor and camaraderie to lighten the mood and reduce tension. Some even engage in religious practices or seek counseling services to help them work through difficult emotions. Despite these efforts, however, not all soldiers are able to completely suppress their emotions while on active duty. Many continue to struggle with feelings of sadness, anger, and resentment that make it difficult to maintain a professional facade of stoicism.
While it may seem counterintuitive, some soldiers find that expressing their vulnerability can actually be a sign of strength. By admitting to their struggles and seeking support from colleagues and superiors, they are able to build trust and create a culture of open communication within their unit. This allows them to access resources and support networks when needed and helps them maintain their mental health during deployment. In addition, some soldiers believe that showing emotion makes them more human and relatable, which builds stronger bonds with fellow soldiers and reduces feelings of isolation.
Reconciling emotional vulnerability with expectations of toughness is a personal journey for each soldier. While some may find ways to compartmentalize their emotions and put up a strong front, others choose to openly share their experiences in order to get the support they need. Regardless of how they approach this challenge, all soldiers must balance the demands of warfare with the realities of being human.
In what ways do soldiers reconcile emotional vulnerability with expectations of toughness?
Soldiers often find it difficult to reconcile their emotional vulnerabilities with expectations of toughness due to the cultural and social norms that are associated with the military. According to research, soldiers may experience fear, anxiety, and depression during deployment, but they must suppress these feelings as weaknesses in order to fulfill their roles as protectors and providers for their families and communities. This can lead to internal conflict and mental health issues such as PTSD.