The US Army is one of the largest fighting forces in the world. Soldiers are trained to be disciplined, obey orders, and follow regulations.
They also have personal lives and social needs. How do soldiers maintain relational authenticity while adhering to military norms?
Soldiers can find ways to keep their relationships genuine despite the constraints imposed by military life. Some examples include keeping communication channels open, understanding boundaries, being honest about limitations, and using technology for connection.
Communication is essential for healthy relationships. In the military, this becomes even more important because soldiers may spend months or years apart from family and friends. They must establish reliable means of communication to stay connected and avoid misunderstandings that could cause tension later on. This includes regular phone calls, video chats, emails, and messages. It also involves setting aside time for each other, making plans, and respecting each other's busy schedules. By investing time and effort into communication, soldiers can maintain closeness and intimacy despite physical distance.
Boundaries are another critical aspect of soldier/civilian relationships. Soldiers must abide by strict regulations regarding what information they can share with civilians, which can limit transparency. To counteract this, they should clarify expectations early on, discuss any red flags, and set limits as necessary.
A soldier might tell her partner that she cannot talk about sensitive missions or certain details of her work environment. This honesty allows both parties to feel secure and supported without violating confidentiality agreements.
Relational authenticity requires honesty about one's limitations. Soldiers must prioritize their duties over civilian obligations, so it is crucial to be upfront about this reality. A soldier might say "I cannot commit to a weekend date" instead of simply canceling last-minute or failing to respond. This shows respect for the partner while acknowledging constraints beyond the soldier's control.
Technology has made communication easier than ever before, allowing soldiers to connect with loved ones remotely. Some apps like FaceTime or Skype allow face-to-face conversations even when apart. Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram let soldiers share daily updates, photos, and videos. These tools help keep relationships alive, but they should not replace in-person interactions whenever possible.
Soldiers can maintain relational authenticity while adhering to military norms through clear communication, setting boundaries, honesty about limitations, and using technology wisely. By taking these steps, they can stay connected, support each other, and preserve healthy relationships despite the challenges of military life.
How do soldiers maintain relational authenticity while adhering to military norms?
Relational authenticity is defined as "the ability to communicate one's true self" (Goldberg & Eisenberger, 1985). Maintaining relational authenticity can be difficult for soldiers because they must balance their individual needs with military norms. While military service may require that soldiers conform to certain behaviors and actions, it also requires them to be honest about who they are and what they believe.