Sexual and relational satisfaction are important for mental health and well-being of soldiers who are often away from their loved ones due to military duty. While deployed, they may face challenges related to limited resources, physical safety, cultural differences, language barriers, and social norms that affect their ability to establish and maintain intimate connections. Soldiers have found ways to maintain sexual and relational satisfaction despite these difficulties through communication strategies, technology, and support networks.
Communication Strategies
Communication is key to maintaining sexual and relational satisfaction during deployments. Soldiers can set up regular phone calls, video chats, and email exchanges with their partners to stay connected and share updates about their lives. They can also send care packages, letters, and cards to show affection and express love. Some couples even create personalized rituals like writing letters together or watching movies simultaneously. These activities help maintain closeness and intimacy, fostering a sense of togetherness even when apart.
Technology and Social Media
Technology has made it easier for soldiers to communicate with loved ones and access sexual and relational support while deployed. Applications like Skype, WhatsApp, and Facetime allow soldiers to see and hear each other in real time, which helps maintain emotional connection. Many soldiers turn to social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tinder to connect with friends and family back home and seek out sexual encounters.
This approach can come at the cost of privacy and security risks if not used responsibly.
Support Networks
Soldiers often rely on support networks to navigate challenges related to sex and relationships while away from home. Fellow soldiers, chaplains, counselors, and healthcare providers can offer advice, guidance, and resources to address concerns related to sexual health, mental well-being, and relationship issues. Support groups and online communities have also emerged that provide anonymous and confidential spaces for soldiers to discuss their experiences, share tips and techniques, and receive encouragement from others who understand their situation.
Maintaining sexual and relational satisfaction during deployments requires effort, creativity, and resilience. Communication strategies, technology, and support networks all play important roles in helping soldiers stay connected and fulfilled despite the obstacles they face. By prioritizing these factors, soldiers can build stronger bonds with their partners and remain emotionally healthy during extended separations.
How do soldiers maintain sexual and relational satisfaction during repeated deployments and long separations?
Soldiers are humans with complex psychological needs that require fulfillment for them to maintain their well-being. These include their sexuality, relationships, and social ties (Brown, 2017). Deployment and separation from family members can be difficult for soldiers due to the challenges they face in meeting these needs while away from home, including physical and emotional loneliness and isolation.