During deployments, soldiers must deal with many challenges that can affect their sense of self, including separation from loved ones, limited contact with friends and family, changes in lifestyle, and exposure to traumatic events. One of the biggest challenges is balancing personal identity, relational needs, and institutional norms. Personal identity refers to an individual's unique characteristics, such as personality, values, beliefs, and background. Relational needs refer to the need for connection and intimacy with others. Institutional norms are the rules, procedures, and expectations of military organizations. Reconciling these three aspects during deployments can be difficult but possible through various means.
One way to reconcile personal identity, relational needs, and institutional norms is by maintaining communication with loved ones. Soldiers should stay connected with family members and close friends through phone calls, emails, letters, or video chats. This helps them feel grounded in their personal identities and reminds them of their relationships back home.
Communication can also expose soldiers to emotional stress if they are worried about their loved ones or miss them.
Another way to reconcile personal identity, relational needs, and institutional norms is by forming new relationships within the military organization. Many soldiers develop strong bonds with fellow soldiers during deployments, which can help them cope with the challenges of deployment. These relationships provide a sense of camaraderie and support and help soldiers feel part of something bigger than themselves.
These relationships can also lead to competition, resentment, and jealousy.
Soldiers can also use hobbies and activities to reconcile personal identity, relational needs, and institutional norms. Engaging in physical exercise, reading books, writing journals, listening to music, or participating in religious practices can provide solace and allow soldiers to express their individuality.
These activities may conflict with institutional norms, such as mandatory training or curfews.
Reconciling personal identity, relational needs, and institutional norms during deployments requires effort and dedication. By understanding the challenges and finding ways to balance these aspects, soldiers can improve their mental health, maintain their relationships, and perform better on the battlefield.
In what ways do soldiers reconcile personal identity, relational needs, and institutional norms during deployments?
Soldiers often face challenges when it comes to reconciling their personal identities with the demands of military service during deployments. On one hand, they may feel pressured to conform to strict institutional standards that can clash with their individual values and beliefs. This can lead to feelings of isolation and alienation from civilian life.