[May 16, 2016] In 2003 during an interrogation of an Iraqi policeman suspected of helping setup an ambush on American soldiers, a U.S. Army officer fired shoots near the policeman’s head. Ostensibly to obtain information to protect his troops, the officer went too far according to U.S. Rules of Engagement and behavioral standards.1 This behavior, however, is indicative of warrior traits although rejected by most modern societies.
While there is a dark side to the warrior ethic, there remains much to be desired of the warrior in our most modern societies. It remains valid that any society that does not prepare for war must experience its most disastrous effects. The warrior is one who is ready to close with and engage an enemy face-to-face and destroy him without reservation. Societies rarely need this mindset but when required, nothing can substitute for the survival of that nation.
Modern man lacks warrior traits and modern military soldiers also lack attributes of the warrior. Men are taught today to be in touch with their feelings, to respect everyone, and to be gentle in all things. Many boys identified in school as too aggressive are considered “challenged” and are often given drugs to calm them. Yet, the appeal of the warrior persists. Movies like Patton (1970), Braveheart (1995), Gladiator (2000), and The Last Samurai (2003) have retained their appeal of the warrior.
Even our words describing warrior traits often carry a negative connotation. For example, a warrior is considered “aggressive.” The definition of aggressive at Dictionary.com tells us that aggressive is “characterized by or tending toward unprovoked offensives, attacks, invasions, or the like…” Such bias has tiptoed into not just our lexicon but into our culture as well. Men are supposed to act more like women and be sensitive, cry when sad, and back down when threatened.
There are virtues of the warrior that cannot be overlooked and are highly valued. Certainly there is a time and place for these traits but manhood itself is defined by them. Here are just a few major traits of the warrior that is beneficial:
- Adaptable: when things go wrong or innovativeness is needed
- Relentless: a warrior will never give up and will aggressively continue their attack on any enemy as long as the mission requires it
- Decisive: a course-of-action is decided upon and executed vigorously
- Loyal: centered on a righteous cause, the warrior is fully committed, heart and soul
- Dutiful: warriors know what is required of them, including death, and they are committed to the outcome of any battle
- Courageous: brave both physically and morally, the warrior is not easily frightened and willingly sacrifices himself for a good cause
- Honorable: all behavior of a warrior is governed by rules of conduct that are uncompromising and based in their society’s norms
- Skilled: the warrior is competent in his trade and can use all technical implements with high confidence
- Emotionally disconnected: when needed the warrior is able to put emotions to the side to focus on the difficult tasks required of him
Modern man lacks the virtues of a warrior but still values them. The world today still has need for the warrior and there are few examples of a true warrior. Rarely will we find the warrior in our military ranks. If we do, they will be thrown out for their behavior, just like the U.S. Army officer who threatened an Iraqi policeman who refused, he thought, to give up his terrorist comrades.
Real manhood is defined by the warrior archetype. See the artofmanliness.com for a good article on the issue (see link here).
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- The Uniformed Code of Military Justice: http://www.ucmj.us/