Soldiers are trained to be aggressive, confident, and self-assured. They need these qualities to succeed in their job, which often involves facing life-threatening situations and taking decisive actions without hesitation.
They also need to follow orders and respect authority figures, even if those orders conflict with their own judgment. This can create a tension between being assertive and conforming, particularly when soldiers must make decisions in high-stakes situations. How do soldiers negotiate this tension?
When faced with conflicting demands, soldiers may have to choose between following orders or standing up for themselves. One approach is to defer to the higher-ranking officer's decision, but this can leave them feeling powerless and resentful. Another approach is to challenge the order, but this can lead to punishment or ostracism. To navigate this tension, soldiers may rely on communication strategies that allow them to express their concerns while still showing respect for their superiors.
They might frame their disagreement as an observation rather than a criticism, emphasize shared goals, or propose alternative solutions. They may also seek out allies among their peers who share their viewpoint, building support for their position within the group.
Soldiers may feel pressured to go against their conscience or personal values. This can create moral stress and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms like guilt, shame, and anxiety. To cope with this stress, soldiers may turn to rituals or routines that help them maintain a sense of control and safety.
They may develop pre-combat routines to prepare themselves mentally and physically for battle. They may also engage in physical exercise or spiritual practices to ground themselves and connect with a higher power.
The key to navigating tensions between assertiveness and conformity under threat is balance. Soldiers must learn to speak up when necessary without undermining team cohesion or risking punishment. They must be willing to accept authority when appropriate but also be able to question it when necessary. By finding this balance, soldiers can remain effective and ethical members of their unit, protecting both themselves and those around them.
How do soldiers negotiate the tension between assertiveness and conformity under threat?
As soldiers are expected to be assertive and confident while also displaying conformity within their unit, they often struggle with balancing these two expectations under threat. This can lead to internal conflict and discomfort, as they may feel pressure to act one way but also have doubts about whether it is the best course of action.