Professionalism and self-discipline are the foundation of respect in the military. They empower military personnel to act by the stipulated code of conduct and ethics. In the Force, the attainment of the highest level of discipline and respect for a soldier is a function of mental fortitude, which helps soldier appreciate each other in their community. The essence of respect in the military is primarily to foster order. It allows members to live in cohesion with a strong bond that embodies teamwork spirit. Although the conduct of military regarding respect for each other, especially in observing their rank is regulated within the legal system, the aim is to encourage soldiers to be respectful because they are a community.
Primarily, respect in the military helps to ensure order and coordination between members with different ranks. According to the legal framework, every military member must act at all times in obedience to lawful orders from senior officers. Respect in compliance pertains prompt action and execution of the commands from the senior officer, if they are given within the legal framework. On the other hand, the military requires all senior officers to treat the juniors with respect. Although certain practices such as salutation are to be observed as a means of respect for the seniors, they are not a license for mistreating the junior officer (Defense et al. 20–21). Instead, they are noble gestures that allow for recognition of position on the command chain.
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Consequently, if a junior officer misbehaves or is disrespectful, the Force requires their commanding officers to take immediate action. In minor infraction, for instance, the commanding officer uses verbal correction promptly. In some cases, the commander administers the punishment through a mandatory training sessions or addition of duties. In rare cases, the senior officers might recommend court-martial actions to deal with the conduct of the soldier. Therefore, to ensure that soldiers remain respectful, the military requires them to observe certain conduct codes at all times in Force. For instance, they are to stay neat while on duty and observe respectful gestures towards senior officer such as salutation (Defense et al. 28–29). They are also required to observe the chain of command in their reporting at all times.
Another important aspect of respect is its ability to prepare soldiers to act under stress. In the military structure, the senior and commanding officers are in charge of giving orders to the other members. The code of military justice demands that once an order is given, soldiers should respond promptly. In the war zones, for example, soldiers have to operate under fire and stressful situations. If they are not accustomed to following orders out of respect and discipline, they are likely to question them. However, if they already follow orders despite the situations, if they are lawful, stress only affirms their conduct (Jackson 47–48). In essence, therefore, respect and discipline prepare soldiers to retain composure and order amidst chaos. Soldiers can follow commands under fire and remain uniform because of the respect for authority and each other.
Furthermore, respect for the military fosters value. It is an appreciation of the contribution that each soldier has to the overall objective of security to the action and the world. In the military, soldiers first learn to respect each other because of rank. The juniors fear the seniors. However, with a continued discipline, the juniors begin to appreciate the contribution of the seniors to the Force and their nation. Consequently, the fear becomes a sense of admiration for their duty. Eventually, they learn to appreciate others in the Force because of the bond of community and brotherhood that develops between them. In essence, respect is important because it is a sign that soldiers understand the plight of each other and are ready to support their comrades at all cost. It exemplifies their value first as human beings and then as soldiers (Army 30–31). Because the military is a value based organization, all members are required to treat others according to their worth. They are expected to show respect and dignify each other at all times. Activities such as bullying and hazing are therefore prohibited because they do not exemplify the dignity of a soldier.
Finally, respect is important in the military because it ensures effectiveness. Because of respect, the various branches of the military have order. They can maintain order within the particular units under the different leaders. Respect allows the soldiers to learn their place and accept their role in serving the mission. Moreover, respect allows them to understand each other. Because it is rooted in discipline, soldiers are trained to trust their comrades. They trust that their teammates are disciplined enough to watch their backs (Dalessandro 34–35). Therefore, the respect between increases increases and makes it easier to serve a common mission.
In conclusion, because of the order, trust, and discipline that accrue from respect, the military operates in uniformity. The soldiers learn to accord each other respect because they have earned it. They trust that each member of the Force has gone through the training and is in the field because they have passed the bar. Unlike other jobs where people qualify merely based on education, soldiers have to prove their character. They must demonstrate that they are physically and mentally able to deal with the pressures of their job. To ensure survival and success in their mission, each soldier must learn discipline and respect for others within the force and the team.
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