Why your war comrade means so much to you.

We developed a firm, practical feeling of solidarity, which grew, on the battlefield, into the best thing that the war produced—comradeship in arms. 

—Erich Maria Remarque

Soldiers from C Company The Royal Dragoon Guards, patrol around the Shinkalay area of Nad-e-Ali, Helmand Province, Afghanistan on 23rd September2010.
The areas around Nad-e-Ali are patroled on a regular basis giving security to the local population.
This image is available for non-commercial, high resolution download at www.defenceimages.mod.uk subject to terms and conditions. Search for image number 45152437.jpg
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Photographer: SAC Neil Chapman
Image 45152437.jpg from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

 

War brings many negative consequences—lost lives, destroyed properties. Even after the war, the psychological effects still remain. No one ever wins in war.

Perhaps, the people who have it the worst are those who fight in the war. Men and women offer their lives for the security of the country. In the battlefield, these people learn how to live and survive for a long time. This makes us wonder, “How do they do it?”

Comradeship. No matter what happens and whether or not they are in the battlefield, soldiers have each other’s backs. To have a better grasp of the value of comradeship, it is important we get to know why these war fighters mean so much to each other.

Here are some reasons.

They are each other’s life support.

Truly, a friend in need is a friend indeed. This motto sums up life for soldiers in the battlefield. For these brave fighters, comradeship serves as an oasis. Soldiers help each other through the tough times. They even have this undertaking to never leave a fellow comrade behind. Literally and figuratively speaking, they definitely have each other’s backs.

 

Their comradeship is founded on trust.

We all know that trust is essential. Without trust, you cannot form any relationships with other people. In the battlefield, how can you fight together with people you do not trust, right? Hence, soldiers trust their fellow soldiers with all their life. They trust that they won’t let each other down.

 

Great connection equates to great comradeship.

They feel the same things. Without the need for words, they can already decipher what the problem is. Before help is even asked, they are already on their feet. It’s like they are communicating through their emotions. Also, fighters share one goal. With that, it’s easier to build a connection without the use of words. They know what is needed to get to their goal.

 

They are each other’s counsel.

Comradeship serves as an emotional support for the war fighters. With the effects of war, their psychological affect is at stake. By talking to one another somehow relieves the stress. Well, talking is indeed a therapy to the soul. Soldiers hear each other out that is why they have deep connection. They know each other well because they often talk about their personal lives to the point that it seems they have grown up together.

 

Comrades to friends for life.

The war may end, but the bond of soldiers does not. Even after war, soldiers remain in touch with one another. They often hang out to catch up with each other’s life. With all the hardships they’ve been through together, it’s hard to ignore the kinship created. The comradeship turns into a lifetime friendship.

 

Life in the battlefield is not merely about survival but also about comfort. It somehow feels nice to know that someone can relate to you. That is why soldiers fighting together are tied by a special relationship. There is a bond that lasts forever.

 

References

Puiu, Tibi. 2014. “In the Face of Adversity and War, Bonds among Soldiers are as Strong as Kinship.” ZME Science, November 12. Accessed November 22, 2016. http://www.zmescience.com/medicine/genetic/kinship-warrior-soldier-532543/.

Stripes Korea. 2016. “Soldiers help each other through the tough times.” Last modified March 31. Accessed November 22, 2016. http://korea.stripes.com/news/soldiers-help-each-other-through-tough-times#sthash.25FCXClD.dpbs.

Zarate, Oscar. n.d. “The Value of Comradeship.” Grapes and Waffles Blog. Accessed November 22, 2016. http://grapesandwaffles.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-value-of-comradeship.html.

 

 

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