Internal Struggles for Soldiers
As they go through training and begin serving in active duty, soldiers encounter several situations that challenge their personal morals and ethics. One such situation is where their moral judgment of a peer conflicts with institutional directives requiring cooperation. In this case, the soldier must decide whether to follow orders or stand up for what they believe is right. This can be an incredibly difficult decision to make, especially when it involves putting their career on the line.
The Problem
One of the main problems faced by soldiers who find themselves in this situation is that they may feel like they are being asked to do something unethical or immoral.
If they witness a fellow soldier committing a crime and are ordered to cover it up, they may feel like they are breaking their code of conduct. Similarly, if they see a superior officer engaging in illegal activity and are told to keep quiet about it, they may struggle with the conflict between following orders and doing the right thing.
Coping Mechanisms
Some soldiers try to cope with these internal struggles by rationalizing their decisions. They may tell themselves that they are just following orders and that it's not their place to question authority. Others may seek out counseling or therapy to help them deal with the emotional stress of making tough choices. Still others may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of coping.
Consequences
When soldiers choose to ignore their own conscience in order to follow orders, there can be serious consequences both personally and professionally. They may suffer from guilt and shame, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Their actions could have negative repercussions on their unit or on the military as a whole.
If a soldier covers up for a criminal act committed by another soldier, it could damage the reputation of the entire unit and undermine trust within the ranks.
Internal struggles faced by soldiers when their moral judgment conflicts with institutional directives requiring cooperation are serious issues that require careful consideration. Soldiers should always strive to do what is right, even when it means going against orders. Doing so will help maintain integrity and build trust among peers, while also preventing personal harm.
What internal struggles do soldiers face when their moral judgment of a peer conflicts with institutional directives requiring cooperation?
Soldiers may experience feelings of guilt, shame, discomfort, anxiety, and cognitive dissonance when they perceive that their moral judgments about another soldier conflict with institutional policies or orders from superiors. These experiences can arise because the individual's conscience, values, and beliefs are being challenged by external factors beyond their control.