The study of military ethics is concerned with the moral principles that guide the behavior of individuals who serve in the armed forces. It considers the ways in which these principles influence their actions both on and off duty, including when they are required to perform tasks for which there may be no clear-cut right or wrong answer. One particular area of interest within this field is how soldiers handle the conflict between their own personal needs and those of the larger unit or organization they belong to. This dilemma can arise in various contexts, such as when an individual's family life becomes disrupted due to deployment, or when they feel pressured into undertaking missions that go against their values. In this article, I will explore some common scenarios in which soldiers face such challenges and suggest strategies for navigating them effectively.
Let us consider the case of a soldier whose family responsibilities are affected by their service. The demands of military life can put significant strain on relationships, especially if deployments are frequent or prolonged. Soldiers may find themselves away from home for extended periods of time, missing important milestones in their children's lives or struggling to maintain their partnerships while separated. They may also experience feelings of guilt about leaving loved ones behind, particularly when faced with danger. These emotional issues can make it difficult to focus on the task at hand and may even lead to mental health problems like depression or anxiety.
Soldiers must also balance these concerns with the collective responsibility of serving their country.
A second situation in which soldiers encounter ethical conflicts relates to the types of missions they are asked to undertake. Some tasks may involve activities that go against their moral beliefs or cultural norms, such as committing acts of violence or engaging in torture. While there are often strict rules governing what soldiers can and cannot do, these boundaries may not always be clear-cut.
During wartime, soldiers may be forced to choose between saving civilian lives or achieving tactical objectives. This dilemma requires careful consideration and decision-making based on principles such as proportionality and necessity.
How do soldiers navigate ethical dilemmas between personal relational needs and collective responsibilities?
Despite being highly trained to act with discipline and focus on their missions, military personnel face many moral conflicts when they are deployed to a combat zone. This is especially true for those who must make life-or-death decisions that have long-term consequences for themselves and others. Some examples of these situations include dealing with civilians during warfare, obeying orders despite doubts about their morality, and coping with the aftermath of trauma.