Soldiers are trained to follow strict rules and regulations, including those regarding their personal behavior. This includes adhering to codes of conduct that govern their interactions with others, such as the prohibition against fraternization between officers and enlisted personnel or between superiors and subordinates.
Some soldiers may engage in sexual activities despite these rules, which can have serious consequences both for them and for the military institution. In this article, we will explore how soldiers justify rule-breaking in the context of sexual relations and what cognitive biases reinforce these justifications. We will also examine how these justifications can harm unit cohesion and readiness.
Justifications for Rule-Breaking
Soldiers may engage in sexual activity despite rules for various reasons. Some may believe that they are entitled to certain privileges because of their service and sacrifice, while others may view it as a way to relieve stress or alleviate boredom. Still, others may engage in sexual relations out of fear of missing out on an opportunity. These rationalizations can be reinforced by cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, where individuals seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs and ignore contradictory evidence.
A soldier who believes that sex is necessary for emotional well-being might interpret positive feedback from a sexual partner as proof of their rightness. Similarly, a soldier who sees other soldiers breaking the rules without consequence may come to believe that they can do so without repercussions.
Cognitive Biases Reinforce Justifications
Certain cognitive biases can make it easier for soldiers to justify rule-breaking when it comes to sexual behavior.
A person prone to confirmation bias may selectively remember examples of others getting away with rule-breaking and overlook instances where punishment was meted out. They may also downplay the seriousness of their actions, minimizing the potential consequences and focusing instead on the immediate gratification. This can lead them to believe that they have more control over their behavior than they actually do, increasing the likelihood of continued rule-breaking.
Soldiers may engage in self-serving attribution, attributing successes to internal factors (e.g., skill) and failures to external ones (e.g., luck). In this case, a successful sexual encounter could be seen as a sign of personal prowess rather than due to chance or circumstance.
Harmful Effects of Rule-Breaking
Soldiers' justifications for rule-breaking can harm unit cohesion and readiness. When one soldier breaks the rules, it sets a precedent for others to follow suit, undermining discipline and authority. It can also create tension between individuals, leading to distrust and resentment. Soldiers may view themselves as separate from their unit, making it harder for them to work together effectively.
Rule-breaking can divert attention away from training and preparation, which are essential for mission success. In addition, soldiers who engage in risky behavior, such as unsafe sex or pregnancy, pose a risk to the military institution by compromising its effectiveness and reputation.
Soldiers face unique challenges when it comes to following strict codes of conduct regarding sexual relations. While there may be temptations and opportunities to break these rules, doing so can have serious consequences for both the individual and the larger unit. By understanding how cognitive biases reinforce justifications for rule-breaking, we can better support soldiers in resisting impulsive behavior and building strong relationships with their colleagues.
Adherence to the rules benefits everyone involved, ensuring that the military remains a professional and effective organization.
How do soldiers justify sexual rule-breaking to themselves, and what cognitive biases reinforce these justifications?
Soldiers may justify their sexual rule-breaking by citing personal needs for intimacy and closeness that are not being met by traditional means (e. g. , relationships with significant others). They may also see their actions as a way of coping with stressors related to combat experiences or a lack of familiarity with civilian life upon return from deployment.