Soldiers are expected to conform to the values and norms of their military organizations, including physical fitness standards, discipline, and subordination. These requirements can conflict with individual identities that may include gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, social class, or political beliefs. This tension between personal and institutional expectations is often resolved through self-censorship, denial, or suppression. Soldiers must also reconcile how they see themselves with how others perceive them based on their behavior and appearance. The process of reintegrating into civilian life after service can involve struggles with identity formation and transitioning from groupthink to autonomy.
Identity involves an understanding of oneself as distinct from other individuals and groups, as well as the social roles and relationships one assumes in various contexts. In the military, soldiers must adopt a different identity that emphasizes obedience, orderliness, loyalty, and cohesion within a hierarchical structure. Their uniform and equipment become part of their identity, as do the activities they engage in and the language they use.
Personal characteristics such as age, education, personality, and background shape how each soldier interprets these expectations and behaviors.
A young recruit who grew up in a rural area with few opportunities for higher education may have different cultural references than a more educated urbanite. A Christian fundamentalist may have difficulty aligning with secular institutions while a Muslim may face challenges around gender equality.
Soldiers are expected to maintain a professional distance from civilians and avoid certain behaviors that could compromise discipline or morale. They may need to suppress emotions or desires that would be acceptable in non-military settings.
Same-sex sexual attraction is not openly acknowledged in many branches, and homophobic slurs are sometimes used as insults. This creates a tension between authenticity and conformity that some soldiers struggle to resolve. Others may conceal their religious beliefs or political leanings out of fear of reprisals or harassment. These restrictions can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and alienation, which can be compounded by the stress of combat or deployment.
The process of reintegrating into civilian life after service involves adjusting to new roles, relationships, and priorities. Soldiers must negotiate their identities with family members, friends, and colleagues who may perceive them differently due to their military experience. They may feel pressure to conform to traditional gender norms or adopt certain values and behaviors. In addition, they may grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), or other mental health issues related to their experiences on the battlefield. This can affect their ability to form intimate connections or trust others, leading to difficulties with communication and intimacy. Some veterans find it difficult to return to civilian workplaces where they have no rank or authority, while others miss the camaraderie and purpose of military service.
Soldiers face complex challenges in reconciling personal identity with institutional expectations during service. They must balance individual desires and aspirations with group norms and objectives, often suppressing emotions and impulses that would be accepted elsewhere. The process of transitioning back to civilian life can involve further conflicts over identity formation and social expectations.
Many soldiers develop a strong sense of pride and loyalty towards their unit, comrades, and mission that helps them overcome these obstacles and thrive in diverse settings.
How do soldiers reconcile personal identity with institutional expectations during service?
One way that soldiers can reconcile their personal identities with institutional expectations during service is by finding ways to express themselves creatively outside of military protocol. This can include writing poetry, creating artwork, playing music, or engaging in other forms of self-expression that allow them to explore their individuality while still adhering to military regulations.