Military Forces

• Traits for the Military
When one thinks of the qualities an individual must possess to serve in the military, more often than not, they are defined by masculinity. However it is inaccurate to assume that women cannot possess the same qualities. Army Values are characteristics that further define a soldier and the basic skills needed for working in the military no matter what kind of work is done. The acronym LDRSHIP: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage to define are traits one should strive to posses. It is important that soldiers get the mentality of not wanting to be told what to do out of their heads, because it is unrealistic. No matter where one goes in life, someone will always be dictating what needs to be done.
What matters or is considered important varies from culture to culture; which leads us into emotions. “The masculine imperative for emotional self-control, which is pertinent to combat soldiers, confers men with prestige and locates them in a superior position to women…This is particularly accurate when one examines “extreme” gender identities that are constituted by and for the state, identities such as warrior masculinity.” Emotions are seen as a negative if they affect your ability to be a soldier first. However certain emotions are acceptable at appropriate times (i.e. motivation and ambition or happiness when advancement occurs).
A great example of hegemonic masculinity within the military can be seen in research conducted with British servicemen. According to soldiers, toughness, endurance, physical prowess and aggression are requirements to be an effective soldier.