A common stereotype about conscripts is that they are less loyal to their unit than volunteers because they can leave when their term of service ends.
Research has shown that this may be true only up to a point. In fact, studies have found that while some conscripts exhibit lower levels of commitment than volunteers, most experience a sense of solidarity with their fellow soldiers that rivals or even surpasses that of contract troops. This suggests that group loyalty is more complex than simply being about voluntary versus involuntary service.
One possible explanation for why conscripts feel greater group loyalty than expected lies in their understanding of the meaning of "loyalty." Many conscripts see loyalty as an obligation to the state, rather than just to their comrades. Thus, they may feel a stronger sense of allegiance to the country or military institution itself, which would extend beyond their time in uniform. Another factor could be differences in personality traits between conscripts and contract soldiers. Some evidence suggests that those who choose to serve may have a higher level of self-motivation and willingness to take risks, which could translate into stronger bonds within their unit.
Contract soldiers may reinterpret group loyalty differently from conscripts. Contractors often join the military for specific reasons, such as career advancement or financial gain, which can lead them to place more emphasis on individual goals than on shared identity with their unit. They may also see themselves as outsiders compared to other members of their unit, since they have chosen to serve for different reasons. As a result, their loyalty to the group may be weaker than that of conscripts, who share a common background and experience.
Research suggests that there are nuances to how individuals interpret and express group loyalty, regardless of whether they serve by choice or obligation. While some studies suggest that conscripts tend to identify less strongly with their units, others find no significant difference between the two types of troops.
It seems that personal experiences, values, and motivations play a bigger role in shaping group loyalty than simply being a volunteer versus a draftee.
How do contract soldiers reinterpret group loyalty differently from conscripts who expect a limited service duration?
Contract soldiers have more flexibility in their commitment to military service compared to conscripted ones who are expected to serve for a specified period only. The differentiation in group loyalty stems from this difference as well as from other factors such as motivation for enlisting, career trajectory within the army, and personal outlook on life after discharge.