A soldier's growth is difficult to define because it involves physical strength, mental toughness, and emotional stability. These are all essential qualities that help them become better fighters and leaders.
They can also lead to an imbalance between personal needs and professional duties. Emotional hardening is crucial because without it, one cannot handle warfare effectively. On the other hand, soldiers need closeness for their own well-being and family life. When both aspects are balanced, they experience a sense of fulfillment and meaningfulness. In this article, I will explain how soldiers evaluate their personal growth regarding these challenges.
Soldiers learn to be stoic in combat, making decisions based on logic rather than emotion. They train to suppress feelings of fear, pain, and sadness during dangerous situations. This makes them effective fighters who do not panic under pressure. But when they come home, they may struggle to connect with loved ones or open up about traumatic experiences. They feel disconnected from others and isolated inside themselves. To overcome this, they seek out activities that require teamwork and bonding, like sports or volunteering. It helps them build connections with people outside the military.
Intimacy is crucial for soldiers' personal development as it promotes vulnerability and honesty. They must trust someone enough to share their thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Without intimacy, relationships become superficial or transactional, leading to loneliness and depression. Intimate relationships allow soldiers to see beyond the battlefield and find purpose in civilian life. Soldiers who experience emotional growth through intimacy have more stable marriages, better health, and higher job satisfaction.
Some military cultures discourage intimacy and prioritize professionalism. Officers may think soldiers should focus only on work and avoid distractions. This can lead to tension between soldiers and their families. Some soldiers also experience PTSD symptoms after combat, which affects their ability to form close bonds. Others suffer from moral injury, feeling guilty over actions taken during warfare. These issues require therapy to address properly.
Soldiers need balance between hardening and closeness for optimal personal growth.
Soldiers who excel at both aspects of growth are happier and healthier. They have strong relationships with friends and family while still being effective fighters. Balance requires intentionality and self-reflection. Soldiers must ask themselves how much they value each aspect of growth and make choices accordingly. When necessary, they can talk to a counselor or chaplain about these challenges. With support, soldiers can maintain the right balance between emotional hardening and desire for closeness, resulting in personal fulfillment and service success.
How do soldiers evaluate their personal growth when it involves both emotional hardening and a desire for closeness?
Soldiers face complex challenges that can result in an array of emotions. The psychological, social, and cultural factors shape their perceptions and reactions towards war and combat situations. While military training prepares them for battlefield scenarios, the reality of violence and death may lead to emotional trauma and distress. On the other hand, close relationships with fellow comrades in arms offer comfort and support in times of crisis.