Balancing Relational Intimacy and Hierarchical Command Obligations
The military is an organization that has strict hierarchies and rigid rules for its members to follow. Soldiers are expected to obey their superiors without question and maintain a professional distance from their subordinates.
When it comes to personal relationships within the military, these rules can be challenging to navigate. In this article, I will explore how soldiers balance relational intimacy with hierarchical command obligations and why they often struggle to do so.
One common challenge faced by soldiers is balancing their personal relationships with their professional duties. Many soldiers form strong bonds with their fellow soldiers while on duty, but maintaining these relationships outside of work hours can be difficult due to conflicting priorities.
If a soldier has a romantic relationship with another soldier in their unit, they may have to keep their interactions private or risk facing disciplinary action. Similarly, if a soldier develops close friendships with other soldiers, they may feel guilty about taking time away from their training or duties to spend time together. These conflicts can create tension between soldiers' personal lives and their professional responsibilities.
Another challenge is navigating the power dynamic between officers and enlisted personnel. Officers hold authority over enlisted personnel, which means that soldiers must obey their commands without hesitation. This power dynamic can make it difficult for soldiers to establish trust and rapport with their superiors, as they may fear retaliation for disobeying orders or speaking out against them.
Establishing good working relationships with their superiors is essential for success in the military.
Soldiers also face social pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. While women are increasingly allowed into combat positions, many male soldiers still see themselves as protectors and providers, while female soldiers are expected to be submissive and deferential. This dichotomy can make it difficult for men and women to balance their intimate relationships with each other within the military culture.
Traditional gender roles can lead to sexual harassment and assault, making intimacy even more complicated.
Despite these challenges, soldiers often find ways to balance relational intimacy with hierarchical command obligations. Some soldiers form emotional connections outside of work hours, such as through sports teams or volunteer groups, allowing them to build bonds without compromising their duties. Others prioritize their relationships with their families and partners above their military responsibilities, choosing to serve their country on weekends or during deployments rather than full-time. And some soldiers develop deep bonds with their fellow soldiers despite the hierarchical structure, forming a tight-knit community based on mutual respect and support.
Balancing relational intimacy with hierarchical command obligations in the military is no easy feat. Soldiers must navigate complex power dynamics, gender roles, and professional expectations to maintain healthy personal relationships while serving their country. By understanding these challenges and finding creative solutions, soldiers can strike a balance between duty and love that allows them to thrive both personally and professionally.
How do soldiers balance relational intimacy with hierarchical command obligations?
The issue of balancing relational intimacies and hierarchical command obligations is an important one for soldiers serving in armed forces. It can have significant consequences on both their personal lives as well as their professional performance. While it may be tempting to view these two things as inherently contradictory, there are strategies that soldiers can employ to successfully manage this dynamic.