Balancing Ethical Combat Practices with Reducing Soldier Trauma

The ethics and psychology of warfare present a complex interplay of strategic, moral, and psychological considerations. One of the most contentious aspects is the practice of dehumanizing the enemy, a strategy historically used to make it easier for soldiers to kill without hesitation. However, this practice can have significant psychological ramifications, contributing to both immediate and long-term trauma. This article explores the balance between dehumanizing the enemy and reducing trauma in soldiers, considering ethical implications, psychological impacts, and alternative approaches.

The Role of Dehumanization in Warfare

Historical Context

Dehumanization in warfare is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, opposing forces have been depicted as less than human, as barbaric or monstrous, to justify violence against them. This tactic aims to diminish empathy and moral restraint, making it psychologically easier for soldiers to engage in combat and lethal actions.

Psychological Mechanisms

Dehumanization works by stripping the enemy of their individuality and humanity. It often involves the use of derogatory language, propaganda, and training that emphasizes the enemy's perceived threats and subhuman qualities. This process can create an "us vs. them" mentality, reducing cognitive dissonance when killing another human being (Bandura, 1999).

Ethical Considerations

While dehumanization may serve a strategic purpose, it raises significant ethical concerns. Treating the enemy as less than human violates the principles of human dignity and can lead to atrocities and war crimes. It also undermines the potential for post-conflict reconciliation and the moral integrity of the soldiers themselves.

The Psychological Impact on Soldiers

Short-Term Effects

In the short term, dehumanization can reduce hesitation and fear, allowing soldiers to function more effectively in combat. However, this can come at the cost of increased aggression and a desensitization to violence, potentially leading to unethical behavior and violations of the rules of engagement (Grossman, 1995).

Long-Term Trauma

The long-term effects of dehumanization are more insidious. Soldiers who have engaged in or witnessed dehumanizing acts may experience severe psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), moral injury, and guilt. The dissonance between their actions and their moral beliefs can lead to chronic mental health issues, substance abuse, and difficulties in reintegration into civilian life (Shay, 1994).

Moral Injury

Moral injury, a specific type of trauma, occurs when soldiers feel they have violated their own ethical or moral codes. This can be exacerbated by dehumanizing the enemy, as the actions taken under this mindset often conflict with the soldiers' intrinsic values and beliefs (Litz et al., 2009).

Strategies to Reduce Trauma Without Dehumanizing the Enemy

Humanizing Approaches

One approach to reducing trauma is to humanize both the soldiers and the enemy. This involves training soldiers to see the enemy as human beings with their own stories and motivations. Humanizing the enemy can reduce the likelihood of atrocities and promote ethical conduct, but it requires robust psychological support and ethical training to manage the resulting emotional and moral complexities.

Ethical Training and Leadership

Ethical leadership and training are crucial in preparing soldiers for the moral challenges of warfare. Leaders who model and enforce ethical behavior can create a culture of accountability and respect. Training programs that emphasize the laws of war, human rights, and the ethical use of force can help soldiers navigate the moral ambiguities of combat (Robinson, 2008).

Psychological Resilience Programs

Building psychological resilience can help soldiers cope with the stresses of combat without resorting to dehumanization. Resilience training can include stress management techniques, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to enhance mental toughness and emotional regulation (Adler et al., 2011).

Support Systems

Providing comprehensive support systems for soldiers, including mental health services, peer support groups, and debriefing sessions, can mitigate the psychological impact of combat. Early intervention and continuous mental health care can prevent the development of severe trauma and promote recovery (Hoge et al., 2004).

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

United States Marine Corps

The U.S. Marine Corps has developed resilience training programs, such as the Marine Resiliency Study, which focus on enhancing psychological resilience and ethical decision-making. These programs aim to prepare Marines for the moral and psychological challenges of combat while maintaining ethical conduct.

British Army

The British Army has integrated mindfulness training and ethical leadership programs to support soldiers' mental health and moral integrity. These initiatives aim to foster a culture of respect and empathy, even in the context of conflict.

Simply Put

Balancing the need to prepare soldiers for the realities of combat with the imperative to reduce psychological trauma is a complex and nuanced challenge. While dehumanizing the enemy may offer short-term tactical advantages, it carries significant ethical and psychological costs. By adopting humanizing approaches, emphasizing ethical training, building psychological resilience, and providing robust support systems, military organizations can reduce trauma in soldiers while maintaining moral integrity. This balance not only benefits the soldiers but also contributes to a more ethical and humane approach to warfare.

References

• Adler, A. B., Bliese, P. D., McGurk, D., Hoge, C. W., & Castro, C. A. (2011). Battlemind debriefing and battlemind training as early interventions with soldiers returning from Iraq: Randomization by platoon. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(5), 928-940. Battlemind debriefing and battlemind training as early interventions with soldiers returning from iraq: Randomization by platoon - PubMed (nih.gov)

• Bandura, A. (1999). Moral disengagement in the perpetration of inhumanities. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 3(3), 193-209. Moral Disengagement in the Perpetration of Inhumanities - Albert Bandura, 1999 (sagepub.com)

• Grossman, D. (1995). On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society. Little, Brown and Company. On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society | Office of Justice Programs (ojp.gov)

• Hoge, C. W., Auchterlonie, J. L., & Milliken, C. S. (2006). Mental health problems, use of mental health services, and attrition from military service after returning from deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan. JAMA, 295(9), 1023-1032. Mental health problems, use of mental health services, and attrition from military service after returning from deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan - PubMed (nih.gov)

• Litz, B. T., Stein, N., Delaney, E., Lebowitz, L., Nash, W. P., Silva, C., & Maguen, S. (2009). Moral injury and moral repair in war veterans: A preliminary model and intervention strategy. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(8), 695-706. Moral injury and moral repair in war veterans: a preliminary model and intervention strategy - PubMed (nih.gov)

• Robinson, P. (2008). Ethics training and development in the military. Parameters, 38(1), 23-36. "Ethics Training and Development in the Military" by Paul Robinson (armywarcollege.edu)

• Shay, J. (1994). Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character. Scribner. Achilles in Vietnam: Combat trauma and the undoing of character. (apa.org)