Soldiers are trained to kill
Soldiers are trained to kill in order to protect their nation from external threats. As part of this training, they are also taught to suppress their emotions and follow orders without question. This can create a conflict between their professional identity as soldiers and their personal emotional needs.
When soldiers see death up close, it can be difficult for them to keep their feelings under control, but they must do so in order to maintain focus on the mission.
Soldiers often face moral dilemmas where they have to choose between following orders and doing what is right. This can lead to internal conflicts that need to be resolved. How can soldiers reconcile these discrepancies?
The importance of emotional intelligence
One way that soldiers can reconcile these discrepancies is through emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as recognize and respond appropriately to others' emotions. It involves being aware of one's own thoughts and feelings, regulating them effectively, and using empathy to connect with others. By developing emotional intelligence, soldiers can better handle the challenges of warfare while also remaining true to themselves. They can learn to recognize and express their own emotions, which helps them process experiences like killing and witnessing violence more effectively. They can also use their understanding of other people's emotions to build strong relationships and work together as a team.
Professional training vs. personal needs
Another way that soldiers can reconcile these discrepancies is by recognizing that there may be times when their professional training and duties take precedence over their personal needs.
If a soldier has to make a decision about whether or not to follow an order that goes against their moral beliefs, they may feel conflicted.
In this situation, they should prioritize their professional identity and carry out the order. Soldiers are trained to put the mission above all else, so it's important for them to maintain this mindset even when it means sacrificing some of their personal desires.
Support networks
Soldiers can reconcile these discrepancies by building support networks outside of the military. This could include friends, family members, therapists, or fellow veterans who understand what they're going through. These networks provide a safe space where soldiers can share their experiences and emotions without feeling judged or ashamed. They can also offer guidance on how to manage difficult situations and maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.
A soldier might seek counseling to help cope with PTSD after returning from combat.
Soldiers must navigate the tension between their professional identities as warriors and their personal emotional needs. By developing emotional intelligence, putting the mission first, and building supportive relationships, they can find ways to maintain both aspects of their lives.
How do soldiers reconcile discrepancies between professional identity and personal emotional needs?
Soldiers must reconcile their professional identity as members of an armed force with their emotional needs as individuals. This can be challenging because military life requires a high level of discipline, obedience, and dedication that may conflict with personal desires for relaxation, family time, and freedom. To balance these conflicting identities, soldiers often develop coping strategies that allow them to maintain both their roles as warriors and their individual selves.