The quote, "And so, what duties to others need to make room for, even in a soldier’s life of service and sacrifice, are duties to self, of self-forgiveness and self-empathy. These are a part of full moral repair," from "The Moral Logic of Survivor Guilt" raises an important issue about the responsibilities of soldiers towards themselves. In my opinion, I agree with the author's statement that soldiers have a duty to themselves to practice self-forgiveness and self-empathy.
The life of a soldier is not easy, and they are often subjected to trauma and stress that can cause them to feel guilty or ashamed about things they did or did not do. The author argues that it is essential for soldiers to practice self-forgiveness and self-empathy as a part of full moral repair. This is because a soldier who is unable to forgive themselves or empathize with their own struggles is likely to suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and PTSD, which can ultimately affect their ability to serve.
One possible counterargument is that soldiers are supposed to be selfless and put others first, so prioritizing their own needs is selfish. However, I believe that this counterargument ignores the fact that soldiers are human beings with emotions and needs, just like everyone else. Soldiers cannot effectively serve others if they are not taking care of themselves first. Self-forgiveness and self-empathy are important parts of the healing process for soldiers, and by taking care of themselves, they can become better equipped to serve others.
In conclusion, I agree with the author's statement that soldiers have a duty to themselves to practice self-forgiveness and self-empathy. Soldiers are human beings who deserve to take care of their own needs, and prioritizing their own well-being is not a selfish act. By taking care of themselves, soldiers can become better equipped to serve others and fulfill their duties as soldiers.