Soldiers have many responsibilities in their professional life that are specific to their role in the military. One such responsibility is maintaining their relational identity while also adapting to the hierarchical and cultural expectations of their environment. This can be challenging because it requires them to balance their personal identities and values with those expected of them by their superiors and peers. To understand how this is done, we must consider the various factors that influence these identities, including gender roles, ethnicity, religion, and more.
Soldiers need to recognize that their identity is influenced by both their own individual experiences and the context in which they find themselves. Gender roles, for example, may differ between cultures and societies, so a soldier from one culture may have different expectations than someone from another. Ethnicity can also play a role, as certain groups may be seen as superior or inferior to others within the military hierarchy. Religion can also impact identity, as some religions place higher value on certain behaviors or beliefs than others. All of these factors contribute to the way a soldier views himself or herself and interacts with others.
Soldiers must learn to navigate the hierarchies of power within the military. They will likely encounter different levels of authority throughout their career, from commanding officers to subordinates. It is important for them to understand the proper way to address each person based on their rank or position.
They may need to adjust their behavior based on who they are talking to, as some people may respond differently depending on their status.
A soldier may act more formally when speaking to an officer than when speaking to a lower-ranking enlisted member.
Soldiers must maintain relationships with other members of their unit while still upholding the standards expected of them. This includes forming bonds with fellow soldiers through shared experiences and working together toward common goals.
It can also involve respecting boundaries and avoiding certain topics of conversation that could potentially offend or alienate others. Balancing all of these aspects can be difficult, but it is essential for soldiers to do so if they want to maintain positive relationships both inside and outside of the military.
How do soldiers maintain relational identity while adapting to hierarchical and cultural expectations?
Despite some challenges, soldiers can still maintain their identities by finding balance between relationships with others and personal growth. The key is for them to be able to recognize that they have autonomy in their actions and decisions even when following orders from superiors. They should also cultivate meaningful relationships based on mutual trust and respect rather than blind obedience.