Soldiers are often depicted as masculine individuals who can handle stressful situations effectively without showing emotions.
This stereotype may be misleading because many factors affect their personal identities, including gender and sexual orientation. During deployments, they might face circumstances that challenge their self-perception and lead them to explore alternative ways of expressing themselves. Sexual behaviors are also affected by war conditions, which can cause temporary changes. After returning from missions, soldiers sometimes experience more openness towards nonconformist beliefs and lifestyles regarding sex and sexuality. Let's examine how these aspects manifest during deployment and post-deployment periods.
During Missions
According to researchers, military men are not always heterosexual due to their exposure to other cultures, environments, and experiences during deployments. Some studies suggest that up to 15% of male troops identify as homosexual or bisexual (Fisher et al., 2014; Gates & Heinze, 2010). This phenomenon is related to socialization processes that emphasize conformity and heteronormativity in the armed forces. The pressure to adhere to strict codes of masculinity can make it difficult for soldiers to come out as LGBTQ+ individuals.
They may still feel attracted to people of the same gender when deployed in close quarters with no privacy or comfort. This attraction may become an unconscious or conscious desire, leading to exploration and experimentation.
Soldiers on missions also witness violence against women and children, increasing empathy for victims. They develop feelings of compassion and protectiveness towards those who were abused and violated. These emotions influence how they perceive intimacy and relationships, causing a reevaluation of traditional ideas about gender roles. Some may even consider themselves as sensitive and caring individuals who want to be loved and cared for instead of being dominant providers. In addition, war conditions force them to seek companionship in risky situations where physical contact and closeness are necessary for survival.
Post-Deployment
After returning home, veterans may exhibit different sexual behaviors than before deployment.
They may engage in BDSM practices, kink, or polyamory without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. Their openness to alternative lifestyles may stem from their experiences during missions, which taught them not to judge others based on appearance or background (Nadal et al., 2016). This attitude translates into more tolerance for nonconformist beliefs and behaviors regarding sex and sexuality. They may also have less interest in traditional relationships because they prioritize freedom over commitment. They view monogamy as restrictive and limiting, preferring multiple partners who satisfy different needs (Santos, 2018).
Soldiers' sexual identities can change due to the unique circumstances of deployments. War conditions force them to explore new ways of expressing themselves physically and emotionally, challenging traditional norms. After returning home, they may adopt a more liberal outlook that values personal growth and self-exploration over societal expectations. By examining these factors, we can better understand how the military affects soldiers' lives outside of combat operations.
How do soldiers experience sexual identity fluidity, evolution, or change during and after deployment?
Soldiers can experience sexual identity fluidity, evolution, or change during and after deployment due to various factors such as exposure to different cultural norms, changing relationships with family and friends, stressors of military life, and changes in physical appearance and abilities. These experiences may lead to reevaluation of their personal values, beliefs, and identities which could influence how they express themselves sexually and romantically.