Does the British Army teach young men to ignore their emotions?

Question

To become emotionless in theit emotional personal life as well as work?
Is this a good thing or screw young men up?

Answer 1

Having served with the RAF as part of an offensive assault, and in humanitarian operations, we as military personnel need to be-able to control our emotions. I have found with more combat experience, i have become more confident and competent in doing this. The government, in-particular the military leaders need to acknowledge that since warfare has begun, combatants have been required to 'detach' themselves to be as effective as possible when in a situation that needs a non-emotional decision, and therefore prevent the loss of the people around them. So, in answer, the military doesn't 'teach' emotional responsibility at all, but should to allow the troops to come home and continue their lives in a stable manner. I maintain to this day, the most difficult time of war, is coming home.

Answer 2

The British Army teaches its recruits--young women as well as men--to put their emotions aside as they perform their duties. I don't think this is the same as "ignoring" emotions, though, because you have to recognize the fear, anger, or other strong feeling in order to control it. This isn't just about maintaining discipline. It also keeps soldiers from becoming mere killers. If a soldier's unit takes casualties, the first human reaction is to lash out in revenge; military discipline serves to bottle this up and turn the emotion in a productive direction.

Answer 3

As an ex soldier i feel and can answer this with reasonable honesty.The answer is NO you are not told or trained to ignore emotions but you are conditioned to utilies your feelings constructively.If we did ignore them when in a hostel enviroment we would kill or injury innocent people as we would have no emotional regard to differ from Enemy soldier or Civilian.You are trained to be calm and to think constructively whilst in difficult situations. I have found this useful even in day today life,i never lose my temper even in stressful situations. In an emergency when others are panicking i am calm and already thinking of a solution to the problem.At home with the children it has its advantages to,especially when the cut themselves.Whilst mum is running around like a headless chicken crying in histerics i'm getting on with first aid.Also this calms the child as you are calm they feel no urgency to the injury even when its quite serious.So no we aren't tought to become without emotion just how to control the .

Answer 4

All military organizations teach you to focus on the duty at hand. You can't be crying out on the battle field when there is work to be done. You need to blow by it and do your duty. It's like wanting to crack up cuz the guy ahead of you in formation waddles like a duck when he marches. It's important to stay focused.

Answer 5

The British Army does'nt teach young men to be 'emotionless'!
It teaches them to be MEN!
If the 'young men' you are referring to are your mates..then its you who are 'screwed up'.
We need MEN in the army, not whimps and hand wringers. We want men who can fight when required ....and not boys who cry for their mothers when the going gets tough.
I think I can safely assume you're on anti depressants!.

Answer 6

Sadly it's all about conditioning us. Why else would they be training iraqi terrorists and militia into double agents to continue to bomb cities in Iraq

Answer 7

No, it teaches them to control their emotions.

Answer 8

Guess they must do!!