Studying military narrative identities: influence of military experiences on narrative identities

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct an exploratory analysis of how military identities are developed via lived experiences within the military. Participants (N=8) included current and past military members with varying jobs and ranks from the United States Air Force. Semi-structured interviews were conducted remotely via Zoom, allowing participants to describe their experiences with military life. Reflexive thematic analysis (TA) was used to identify five emergent themes including: Poor Leadership, Rank, Teamwork and Mutual Support, Influential Mentors and Challenges Being a Woman. The study highlights how military life influences autonomy, rank progression, and resilience, while also promoting community through mentorship, support networks, and teamwork within the military community. Keywords: Psychology, Narrative Identities, Military, Military Narrative Identities, Identities, Qualitative, Qualitative Research