The following is an excerpt from "Sexuality During Deployment" written by Mary Sue Smith for the online publication Defense and Security Studies:
How do cultural norms within military institutions shape the way personnel perceive, express, and regulate relational closeness and personal attachment during deployments? This question has been a source of much debate among scholars in recent years. As the United States continues to send its soldiers abroad to fight terrorist threats around the world, it is important that we understand how their behavior changes while they are away from home. While some researchers have suggested that military culture encourages promiscuity and casual sexual encounters, others argue that this is simply not true. In fact, most people who serve in the armed forces follow strict guidelines regarding their sexual behavior while deployed.
According to one study conducted by the US Army Research Institute, nearly half of all servicemembers surveyed reported engaging in sexual activity while deployed.
The vast majority of these individuals claimed that they did so because they felt lonely or isolated. These findings suggest that there may be something about military culture that makes it difficult for service members to form deep emotional attachments with those back home. It could also mean that military culture doesn't allow for much physical intimacy between soldiers and their partners.
To better understand this issue, let's look at the way different cultures view relationships.
Many Middle Eastern countries frown upon public displays of affection, while Western nations tend to embrace them more openly. When soldiers are sent overseas, they must adjust to living in a completely different environment where they don't always feel comfortable expressing themselves physically. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which often manifest as sexual desire.
Another factor to consider is the role of gender within military institutions. Women face unique challenges when it comes to forming relationships during deployments. They may struggle to find male counterparts willing to share the same level of intimacy as men do, since they are expected to maintain their distance from other troops. On top of that, women are generally seen as less sexually attractive than their male counterparts. As a result, they may feel even more isolated and alone during long deployments.
While it's clear that cultural norms play a significant role in shaping how personnel perceive relational closeness and personal attachment during deployments, there isn't enough research on the topic to make any definitive conclusions. More studies need to be conducted before we can draw firm conclusions about what effect military culture has on sexual behavior.
One thing is certain: Soldiers who serve abroad must learn to navigate a new set of rules regarding relationships if they want to stay sane.
How do cultural norms within military institutions shape the way personnel perceive, express, and regulate relational closeness and personal attachment during deployments?
Cultural norms within military institutions are crucial determinants of how soldiers perceive, express, and regulate relational closeness and personal attachment during deployments. The military's rigid structure imposes several restrictions on the formation and maintenance of intimate relationships, which is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and discipline. As such, soldiers must suppress their emotions, avoid emotional dependency on others, and abide by strict rules that prevent them from openly expressing affection.