Military Service and Obedience: The Psychological Shaping of the Army

Military service, in almost every country, is an experience that confronts young individuals. While it's mandatory in some nations and voluntary in others, this duty acquaints the youth with a myriad of experiences. But some events in military life, when viewed from the outside, can seem nonsensical. So, what is the underlying truth behind these "absurdities"?

In the military, especially at the outset, there are certain phrases constantly reiterated to individuals: "A soldier doesn't sleep," "A soldier doesn't get tired," "A soldier doesn't get hungry," "A soldier doesn't get sick," and "A soldier doesn't get cold." While these statements might appear to see soldiers as near-robotic entities, their main purpose is actually to push individuals' physical and mental boundaries.

However, some practices in the military can genuinely seem illogical. For instance, not being allowed to switch on restroom lights when a commander is passing by, having to apologize to a rifle, or even punishing a tank. Behind these practices lies the message that individuals must obey rules and orders, no matter how senseless they seem.

Another seemingly absurd situation is the inspection of platoons by commanders during breakfast. Many soldiers pretend to still have food on their plates during this inspection. Yet, even here, the real aim is to instruct soldiers on how to operate within the chain of command.

So, what's the end goal of all these practices and "absurdities"? As Edward Snowden pointed out in "Permanent Record," is it to erase an individual's identity to ensure their obedience? A soldier's fatigue is not just physical but also mental. The army seeks to use this exhaustion to ensure soldiers execute orders without questioning them. This might be the way for the army to shape its ideal soldier profile: obedient, uninquiring, and adhering to orders.

However, there's a crucial point that shouldn't be overlooked: not everyone is the same. For an educated and self-improved individual, encountering such practices in the military might seem pointless and absurd. But maybe for those aged 20-24, these events offer valuable lessons on how to stand firm against life's hardships.

In conclusion, the experience of military service holds different meanings for everyone. But, generally, the army aims to erase individual identities and mold them into obedient soldiers. Even if sometimes seemingly irrational methods are employed to achieve this, the actual intent behind them is not just the physical but also the mental training of the soldiers.