ABSTRACT
The U.S. Army strives to develop a military identity among service members as a way to promote mission success. Literature on identity theory and work–family conflict are used to frame two research questions centered on whether soldiers develop stronger soldier or family identities and what factors influence this process. Survey data obtained from combat infantry soldiers reveal that soldiers do develop a soldier identity, but it is generally not as salient for them as their family identity. Several social-structural characteristics are found to influence this process, including presence of children, marital status, and years in service. Implications of these findings are discussed.
