Soldiers are trained to follow strict rules, regulations, and orders from their commanders. These orders must be followed without question, even if they contradict personal values or beliefs.
When it comes to relationships within the military, soldiers face a dilemma: how can they build genuine connections while maintaining discipline and respect for authority figures?
During peacetime, many soldiers experience intense emotions such as love, lust, jealousy, envy, anger, etc., just like civilians do. They form friendships and romantic attachments that are rooted in shared experiences and personalities but may also lead to tension between hierarchical obedience and relational authenticity.
Let's consider a soldier who falls in love with another soldier during training or deployment. This relationship could create problems because of the strict hierarchy imposed by the military system. The couple may feel pressured to hide their feelings out of fear of being punished for breaking the rules or damaging morale among other soldiers. In addition, they may feel guilty about pursuing a relationship that would violate military codes of conduct.
Ignoring these feelings can take a toll on mental health and well-being. Soldiers need support networks to cope with stressful situations, and relationships provide an important source of comfort and stability. If they cannot express themselves authentically, they may become isolated and vulnerable to depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To balance these opposing forces, some soldiers find ways to stay connected while still following orders.
They might keep their relationship secret from superiors or limit physical contact until off-duty hours. Others may prioritize their relationships over professional obligations, resigning from the military or seeking transfer if necessary.
Building genuine connections within the military requires navigating complex emotional terrain. While soldiers must obey orders without hesitation, they should not compromise their values or mental health when it comes to forming meaningful bonds with others. By finding creative solutions and supporting each other through challenges, soldiers can maintain relational authenticity while upholding hierarchical obedience.
How do soldiers manage the tension between relational authenticity and hierarchical obedience?
Soldiers must navigate the tension between relational authenticity and hierarchical obedience by balancing their individual needs with the expectations of their superiors while maintaining discipline within their unit. This can be difficult, as they may feel pressure to conform to a rigid code of conduct that prioritizes hierarchy over personal relationships, leading them to suppress their true feelings and act in ways that contradict their values.