Soldiers face significant challenges in balancing their personal lives with their military obligations. While they must maintain strict discipline and control of their emotions while carrying out orders, they also have human needs for companionship, love, and intimacy. This can be difficult to navigate, particularly during times of high stress or conflict. In this article, we will examine how soldiers attempt to balance these conflicting demands and what strategies they employ to manage them successfully.
One common strategy that soldiers use is compartmentalization, wherein they separate different aspects of their lives into distinct categories and focus exclusively on one area at a time.
They may set aside time for socializing and romantic relationships when they are not on duty but otherwise avoid all distractions. They may also develop rituals and routines that help them transition between their military and civilian identities, such as changing clothes or taking a shower before returning home from deployment.
Another strategy is to establish clear boundaries with loved ones about what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior within the context of their profession. Soldiers may explain the risks involved in their work and why they need to maintain a certain level of professionalism, even if it means sacrificing some of the intimacy and spontaneity that is typical in other relationships. They may also ask partners to respect their need for privacy and space by not prying too deeply into their work-related matters.
It's important for soldiers to prioritize their mental health and seek support when necessary. Many units offer counseling services to address issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological challenges related to military service. Some soldiers also turn to online communities or therapy sessions to discuss their experiences and receive guidance.
Soldiers must navigate a delicate balance between institutional expectations around emotional self-control and relational needs. By developing strategies and seeking support, many find ways to manage this tension successfully.
How do soldiers reconcile relational needs with institutional expectations around emotional self-control?
Psychologically, soldiers often experience difficulty managing their emotions due to the high level of stress and trauma associated with warfare. This can lead to emotional instability and an inability to form healthy relationships outside of military service. Institutionally, however, soldiers are expected to maintain control over their emotions at all times and follow strict protocols for behavior.