Recently I was having a discussion with friends in the BDSM lifestyle (a Domme and a sub) about the similarities between the life and the military. This was not the first time I had had such a discussion, though this time I had a breakthrough. Let me share that with you.

In the military, basic training is one of the most direct and obvious times that mirrors living the BDSM life. Many do not see this, but it is a 24/7 life that is apparent for those of us that know.

In basic training the recruits start off as nothing. They are undisciplined, raw, and unfocused. They have a goal ultimately of becoming more than what they are starting as but nothing else.

The Drill Instructors then have the task of breaking down the recruits to even less than what they think they can go. They clear all other thoughts and questions from the minds of the recruit. It is only after they have completely broken all the barriers, resistance and doubt that the recruits are then truly ready to be reshaped into a stronger and better form.

By the time all is said and done, the recruit becomes a sharp and efficient tool of the military. They serve their command structure with 110% willingness and efficiency. There is nothing that cannot be asked of them, nor anything they will not do. And they will serve their purpose with absolute confidence and commitment.

In BDSM we see much of the same thing. A sub commits to be trained by the Master. The Master must overcome all the mental blocks and questions that perhaps a whole lifetime has been built upon. The sub gives their trust and desire to become a better tool of the Master, with the Master obligated to ensure that the trust and desire is both earned and honed to be goals they have set forth.

The Master breaks down the sub, via sessions and other training, bring the core to the surface. And then they rebuild that sub to be the best at what they do. To provide service without question or doubt. To be completely confident in the commands given and sure that their service is appreciated and something to be proud of.

While the stakes are not the same, the core belief is. A soldier is willing to give their life because they are told to do so with the belief that this will serve a greater purpose even if they do not know what that is. A sub gives their trust, mind and body because they know that their service serves a purpose, enriching the Master and improving the lives of both.

Both are serious situations. A Master like a Drill Instructor must have complete commitment and always provide a direction to the sub. A Master must be clear in their directions and objectives. A Master must guide the sub, so that they will always be confident in their actions.

A Master must never be cavalier in their actions regarding the sub. They hold their lives in their hands, and must regard that life with the utmost concern. They must always consider the needs of the sub, and the means by which to improve that sub. It is through this that they thus improve themselves and excel in their Dominance and leadership.

When a Master provides the proper training and guidance, the sub shines like a polished armor. They are as sharp and precise in their actions as the best sword. They are an instrument of immense power and grace. Both the sub and the Master are looked upon as worthy of emulating. Such is the power of both.

Thus BDSM is very similar to the military. The final products are impressive at a glance, and intimidating to those not familiar with the lifestyle chosen. Not everyone can make such a commitment. But for those that do, the rewards are outstanding.

I look forward to hearing the thoughts of others on this. Both Dom’s and sub’s, do you also agree? Is this something you have used in your training, or being trained?