Abstract
The United
States military is as diverse as the society in which its members are derived
from, encompassing a variety of cultures. Within the spectrum of culture,
several differences can exist, including gender, sexual orientation,
worldviews, and religion, and often these differences can cause individual
turmoil when trying to live within the military culture. Further complicating
the assimilation are the unique needs of military members, who essentially
leave their nuclear families behind, forging into a new life, complete with new
rules and regulations, some of which do not mix easily with their personal
cultural values. Counselors within the military are a vital tool in helping
members cope with both the initial transitions and the inevitable stressors associated
with life as a member of the US military. Additionally, counselors should be
aware of the unique aspects of various religions, and how they can help their
clients to work with clashes that may arise between what they believe
spiritually, and the mission at hand.
Counseling
goals
The field of counseling is quite
varied, from marriage and families counseling, to addictions and guidance
counselors working in a high school environment, and learning about the
particular area of focus is essential in creating a competent counselor. Each
of the counseling specialties brings forth unique challenges, and it is the
responsibility of the counselor to keep up with developing research and
therapeutic intervention techniques that are both effective and culturally
sensitive.
Counseling a culture within a
culture can be challenging, and that is exactly what becoming a counselor
within the United States military entails. The culture of the individual is
combined with the unique needs, rules, and regulations of the military
environment, and often such a combination can result in a personal conflict.
The diversity amongst military members mirrors the variety that is witnessed
from which the members are derived. Recognizing and acknowledging that there
are differences between the cultures of which the counselor identifies with,
and that of which the client identifies with, is instrumental in establishing
an effective therapeutic relationship. Such a difference can be found within
the realm of religion, and just as in other cultural differences, it is
imperative for the counselor to keep abreast of any possible personal belief
clashes, as keeping one’s private life separate from professional persona is
essential in providing the best counseling environment and services possible.
Cultural
immersion
Experiencing cultures and religions
that one does not identify with can be a challenge, but it is a challenge that
must be undertaken in order to assist clients during times of stress and/or
personal turmoil. One such method is by attending a religious service that is
outside of one’s regular and/or identified religion, if a religion is present.
By broadening their personal horizon, counselors are better equipped to assist
clients in matters pertaining to religious issues.
As an anti-theist, it is important
for my personal development to become familiar and aware of different
religions, as it may additionally assist in professional development. While one
does not have to ascribe to the beliefs and traditions that are practiced, it
is an invaluable experience. Attending a church service can be daunting,
especially when one is not affiliated with any established religion. However,
by putting oneself in the shoes of another, greater understanding is achieved.
The Immanuel Lutheran Church in Albany, Oregon is a neighborhood church,
outfitted with traditional stained glass décor depicting the Lamb of God, Dove
of Peace, and an assortment of patterns depicting a holy trinity. Inside there were
candelabras, each with seven white candles that were lit, casting a welcoming
glow on the chilly winter morning. Volunteers just inside the doors handed out
bulletins in which several announcements were contained, including prayer needs
for parishioners, an order of service hymns, and assorted readings that would
be presented that morning during services. Prayers were requested for family
members who were traveling, undergoing surgery, or for prayers of strength for
family members who had lost a loved one.
The congregation was small, perhaps
totaling 20 parishioners in all, which lent a welcoming atmosphere to what
could have been an uncomfortable experience. Conversely, with such a small
gathering, blending in was not possible, and feelings of being an outsider
arose, as the pastor made his way over to shake my hand and welcome me to his
service. Aside from the difference in religion, the parishioners and myself
shared some similar observable cultural aspects, primarily race and language.
Religious
applications to the military culture
While the experience of one religion
during the aforementioned exercise does not encompass the breadth of the
religions found within the military, being exposed to a belief system that
differs from one’s own is insightful. Within the military, religious chaplains
are available to servicemembers, and offer a touch of familiarity, even in a
warzone, as some are deployed along with active duty members. Such an inclusion
is useful, especially when servicemembers are confronted with two differing
sets of rules; orders handed down by superior officers, and by a belief that
“Thou shalt not kill” (Earl, 2012). The moral and cultural contradictions that
one may face in the military culture has the potential to hinder military recruitment,
as some believe that the break from one’s religious identity, in favor of a
different choice that may bring with it a requirement to kill or harm another,
is considered a sin (Perabo, 2010).
As stated previously, culture within the
military is varied, including religions. In addition to the different branches
of Christian religions of which the military is primarily comprised of (Perabo,
2010), Muslim culture is also present within the armed forces, which is not
always received favorably, especially in a post-9/11 military culture. It is
essential for a counselor to be aware of the possible cultural incongruities
that may exist when serving in the military and being a practicing Muslim. One
such challenge can be seen in the current conflicts in traditional Muslim
countries such as Afghanistan. Some Muslim Army personnel have reported
conflicted feelings, as part of the Prophetic tradition states, “when two
Muslims face each other in fighting and one kills the other, then both the
killer and killed are in hellfire” (Stark, 2011). Awareness of cultural clashes
is essential for the counselor to effectively assist the client to address the
situation. Combining two vastly different views and approaches have the
possibility of causing great emotional turmoil, which can be lessened by
consulting a culturally competent counselor.
Another growing concern within the
US armed forces is the growing number of military sexual trauma (MST)
incidents, and the emotional turmoil increases when the trauma results in a
pregnancy. Some religions, including Roman Catholic and Christian, forbid their
members from obtaining abortions. Additionally, the services are not available
on military instillations, and becoming pregnant in a warzone leaves few
options for female combat soldiers, who have been known to perform abortions on
themselves (Jacobson & Jensen, 2011). The psychological toll that results
from experiencing both the physical trauma and the conflict between religious
beliefs makes cultural sensitivity essential for a counselor working within the
military, for the client is most likely going through one of the most stressful
periods in her life.
However, MST does not just affect
female military members, as the rates for male victims of MST are estimated to
be roughly equal to that of female victims, with an average of 30,000 cases of
each (male and female victims) in 2003, with many more victims scared to come
forward and report the incident (Burgess, Slattery & Herlihy, 2013). Male
survivors of MST who identify as highly religious have another stressor to
battle with, namely their sexuality. If another man sexually assaults them,
some have a conflict of faith. However, recent research indicates that
attitudes toward gays in the military are changing, reflecting a more accepting
stance, but the views are not shared by men who identify as “highly religious”
(Besen & Zicklin, 2007). As a counselor, it is imperative for a counselor
to put aside their own personal beliefs about sexuality, in order to fully
assist their client. By being cognizant of religious traditions, as well as the
unique aspects of military culture, the therapeutic relationship can be a
tremendous opportunity for growth, for both the client and the counselor.
Communication
styles
The combination of religion and
military culture can pose a difficult task for a counselor, especially when one
is not familiar with one of those aspects. Exposure to a variety of religious
aspects can help a counselor better address that particular aspect.
Facilitation through conscious effort to seek out religious experiences that
differ from those one is affiliated with can assist in expanding their personal
horizon and in turn, help the counselor to become better equipped with tools to
assist their clients who come from a different culture.
It is essential to keep in mind that
one style or therapeutic approach will not work for every client a counselor
may interact with during practice. Communication styles vary depending on
culture, gender, affiliation, and in the military, rank. Awareness, fluency,
and openness are three character attributes that will help a counselor to work
towards cultural competency. Continual learning, including the ability to shift
therapeutic approaches to match the needs of the client are essential when
working with a variety of individuals, who come with their own sets of
thoughts, ethics, values, and behaviors (Sue & Sue, 2013).
Conclusion
As a religious minority, and a
gender minority within the military population, it is important to separate
personal from professional as it pertains to culture. While there is a
possibility of overflow, from one aspect to another, keeping an open mind when
working with clients who have a different set of beliefs is essential to
building an effective therapeutic relationship with clients. Seeking out novel
experiences can help to enrich the life of a counselor, which in turn, may help
the lives of their clients.
**References available upon request**
