Soldiers are trained to follow orders without question. They learn to obey their commanding officers and to submit to military discipline.
They also form close bonds with their fellow soldiers during their service. These relationships can become quite intense, especially when the group is under stress or danger. Soldiers may feel a deep sense of loyalty and attachment to each other that goes beyond just friendship. At the same time, they must maintain strict hierarchies within their unit and adhere to professional standards. How do soldiers reconcile these competing demands?
Soldiers often develop strong emotional connections with one another through shared experiences. The intensity of combat, training exercises, and living conditions creates a unique bond that is hard to find elsewhere. Soldiers rely on each other for support, encouragement, and camaraderie. This dependence can be even stronger if they are deployed together for extended periods of time. As they grow closer, they begin to see each other as family members or brothers/sisters-in-arms.
Soldiers must balance this relational dependency with their roles as professionals. While it is natural to care deeply about their comrades, they cannot let those feelings interfere with their ability to perform their duties. They must put aside personal feelings and focus on completing the mission.
They must respect the chain of command and follow orders from their superiors. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary action or even court martial.
Soldiers may have difficulties expressing their emotions openly because of cultural norms or societal expectations. Men in particular are expected to suppress their feelings and act stoically. This can make it difficult to acknowledge and process their emotions, which can lead to problems later on.
Some units have implemented programs to help soldiers deal with stress and trauma by talking about their feelings openly with their peers.
Balancing relational dependence and hierarchical constraints is a complex task for soldiers. They must learn to navigate these competing demands while maintaining their commitment to their unit and country. Despite the challenges, many soldiers find deep satisfaction in their relationships with their fellow soldiers and cherish them long after their service has ended.
How do soldiers reconcile relational dependence with hierarchical and professional constraints?
Soldiers may experience a conflict between their need for support and belonging and the strict hierarchy and professionalism required by military service. This can lead them to feel isolated from other members of their unit and may affect their ability to perform their duties effectively. To manage this, some soldiers may adopt a "tough" persona that suppresses their need for connection and relies on self-sufficiency, while others may seek out relationships outside of the military.