Language and Gender in the Military: Honorifics, Narrative, and I ...

Interestingly, aside from the fact that American military men might find themselves showering with homosexual men while serving with the many NATO nations which do not restrict gays, as the military, particularly the Air Force, continues to outsource, privatize, and civilianize its functions, its facilities are available to an increasing number of nonmilitary personnel, and hence likely more gays and lesbians. If it is somehow “different” for civilians to be gay, this reality reinforces the notion that legal and enforceable discrimination against gays as active-duty service members makes the military the key arbiter of American masculinity.

In a somewhat ironic twist, given the preceding discussion, another element of the construction of masculine identity, and apparent in the military environment, is homosocial enactment in the search for other men’s approval. Masculinity scholar Michael Kimmel has pointed out that men feel a chronic sense of inadequacy and a fear of other men—particularly a fear of humiliation. Sociologist and psychotherapist Lillian Rubin asserts that performance in front of other men extends to the fear of job loss. She points out that for women, many elements make up identity, so loss of job or work does not equate to loss of self. It is not uncommon, for example, for a woman to either compromise her progression in rank, or resign or retire from military service in the interests of family life, as do many men. A man’s work, however, is very much a part of his identity, masculinity, and core self, as it indicates his ability to provide for himself and his family. An aspect of military culture that plays into this fear is its “up or out” promotion system. Performance is evaluated and documented regularly, and military members compete for promotions. Generally speaking, failure to get promoted may result in one’s removal from service, meaning loss of face and loss of livelihood—including a pension and significant medical and housing benefits. Given the environment, for a man to fail in the military is potentially a metaphoric failure of manhood and therefore an effective motivator.

The military provides a perfect environment for a man to seek and attain the approval of others. The military’s system of earned promotions and decorations based on achievement and service provides for both enactment and display for others’ approval. When in dress uniform, the various insignia that symbolize one’s experience and performance are apparent for all to see. What is more, the insignia inform the observer as to how close to the theater of combat a military member has come.