War Socially Constructed Essay

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1. How is warfare and the military that applies war socially constructed?

The military requires a combined and cohesive force to wage war effectively and successfully. A force unified in identity and purpose. For a war campaign to be effective, every member of a combat force must identify with the collective and put the needs of that combat force above his own. This collective mentality is cultivated from the first day of boot camp where an individual will lose his first name, his choice of clothing, and his social status. With the suppression of self-identifying traits, the individual is accepted as part of a larger body that is the military identity. This identity is designed for obedience, self-regulation, and adherence to good order. To maintain this …show more content…

The goal around which war is constructed is to establish peace in the future. The relief and celebration associated with the end of warfare proves that warfare is not a natural state for human beings. The American military is constructed on the basis that war is the last option to be enacted, but the military must structure and train itself to meet that requirement if it is required. War is questionable morally and to conduct complete warfare, the soldier must hold his obligation to his fellow combatant’s lives higher then he holds his value of his enemy’s lives. The bond between combatants in a military force is cultivated in training and the suppression of individualism for the collective good, that bond is forged and solidified through the struggle and stress of combat operations. In my opinion, the United States military wages controlled warfare and maintains ROE and conduct guidance to restrict violence waged against civilians, especially women and children. This allows American military members a morality in (and after) warfare that places the long-term benefits of warfare above the short-term consequences of violence.

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