The modern military is characterized by advanced technology and strict discipline.
This doesn't mean that soldiers are robots who don't need to talk about their emotions and feelings. On the contrary, they have emotional needs too, just like everyone else. Soldiers often experience loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety, etc., and they seek comfort in each other's company, which leads them to fall in love. This can be dangerous because there is always a chance for discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or personal beliefs. Therefore, soldiers must carefully choose when and how to reveal their relationship status to avoid any consequences.
Revealing Relationships
Soldiers often reveal their relationships during their downtime or while stationed away from their unit.
They might talk about their significant others while playing video games, watching movies, or going out to eat. They may also share intimate details, such as how much they miss their partners, what they did yesterday, or what they hope to do together later. This allows them to form closer bonds with their friends and feel supported emotionally.
Disclosure Challenges
Disclosing their relationships can lead to discrimination, bullying, and even reprisals. Some commanders or fellow soldiers may disapprove of certain types of relationships, such as same-sex relationships or interracial ones. Others may resent those who receive preferential treatment due to their relationship status. As a result, soldiers must tread carefully and keep their relationships private unless they trust the people around them.
Overcoming Fears
To overcome these fears, soldiers can find supportive allies within their unit or branch of service. These individuals could be superiors who are open-minded or peers who understand the importance of emotional well-being.
Soldiers can seek counseling services or reach out to advocacy groups that help LGBTQ+ military members or other marginalized communities. By creating safe spaces for themselves, soldiers can feel more comfortable discussing their personal lives without fear of judgment or retaliation.
How do soldiers navigate relational disclosure while fearing discrimination or reprisal?
Research shows that many veterans struggle with expressing their emotions and thoughts regarding military service due to concerns about being perceived as weak or unfit for duty by fellow service members. This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from loved ones who may not understand why they are struggling emotionally or physically post-deployment.