I Am a Warrior: An Analysis of the Military Masculine-Warrior Narrative Among U.S. Air Force Officer Candidates

Abstract

<jats:p> This qualitative study examines how cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy make sense of their experiences, form attitudes and beliefs, construct identities, and how a vocal minority of men create and perpetuate a biased gender norm. Despite an institutional intention of egalitarianism, cadets construct a highly masculinized culture. Focus group and interview analyses show how cadets perpetuate the military masculine-warrior narrative in sensemaking and the construction of gender differences. We argue that the narratives become an acceptable way to express gender biases, overriding the actual reason for the existence of fitness testing. We conclude by addressing the contradiction between policies promoting the inclusion of women in the military and the sexism described above. Acknowledging the lived experience of military personnel would allow for better perceptions of gender equality and suggests potential directions for policy, practice, and future research. </jats:p>

Finnish Military Officer Identities and Micro-Political Resistance

“…The Prevalent Discourse: The Greater Good Based on the emphasis presented in the data, the dominant discourse was identified as the greater good. In line with previous research (e.g., Do & Samuels, 2020;Pendlebury, 2020), this discourse can be positioned inside the more global "warrior ethos." Many of the features that the officers attached to the notion of the ideal soldier were culturally coded as masculine and reflected the demands of the battlefield.…”

“…An even smaller number fits the mold of a traditional warrior and reinforcing such an exclusive identity in military education may marginalize those who do not fit the frame (Pendlebury, 2020). Do and Samuels (2020) make similar observations in their study on USAFA. The Academy’s official guidelines define “warrior ethos” as “tough mindedness, tireless motivation, an unceasing vigilance, [and] willingness to sacrifice one’s life for the country (Do & Samuels, 2020; USAFA, n.d., p. 1).”…”

“…Despite changes in warfare and organizational culture, as well as the new demands and expectations of a postmodern soldier, studies have shown that military organization and military identities also resist change (e.g., Do & Samuels, 2020; Holmberg & Alvinius, 2019; Pendlebury, 2020). Holmberg and Alvinius (2019) argue that certain elements of military organizational characteristics may inhibit some change processes that are expected by the state and public opinion.…”

Badass marines: Resistance practices against the introduction of women in the Dutch military

“…Yet this resistance practice also shows nuances, as Schipper argues that if a woman passes the same physical tests as men do, she should be accepted. Passing military training is seen as a rite de passage for new recruits, after which they are accepted into the organization (Do & Samuels, 2021; Hockey, 2003; Winslow, 1999). However, this rite the passage might not be as simple for women.…”

“…This is because during basic training recruits are taught these norms, meaning that everybody who makes it through will behave accordingly. As mentioned above, basic training is generally seen as rite de passage, which changes civilians into soldiers (Do & Samuels, 2021; Winslow, 1999). Yet by claiming that basic training can change women enough to fit in with the Marine Corps, De Graaf calls into question whether these essentialist gender differences are truly essentialist.…”