Soldiers who are deployed to combat zones may experience a change in their personal lives due to their absence from home and the potential for danger that they face daily. One aspect of life that can be affected is their relationships with others, including spouses, family members, friends, and colleagues. In this article, I will discuss how soldiers navigate the relational hierarchy during deployments by exploring various factors such as leadership roles within their unit, communication methods, and cultural norms.
Leadership Roles: Within their unit, soldiers have established roles that determine their position within the chain of command. The leader of the unit is typically the most senior soldier, followed by non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and then enlisted personnel. During deployment, these roles remain unchanged but may require adjustment if a new person assumes command.
If an officer is injured and replaced by an NCO, the latter would take on additional responsibilities to ensure continuity in decision-making and accountability. Soldiers must also adapt to the new leader's style of leading, which may differ from their previous commander. This could lead to tension or conflict if the new leader imposes different rules or expectations.
Communication Methods: Communicating with loved ones while away from home can be challenging due to limited internet access and inconsistent power supply.
Some soldiers use satellite phones or tablets with WiFi capabilities to keep in touch. They may also rely on mail or email messages sent through military channels to communicate with loved ones. Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp are popular among deployed soldiers who want to stay connected with their families back home.
Communication between spouses and partners may become strained if there are long periods without contact.
Soldiers may experience emotional fatigue after receiving bad news about their loved ones' health or wellbeing.
Cultural Norms: Cultural norms play a significant role in how soldiers navigate relationships during deployments. In some cultures, it is customary for men to assert dominance over women or take multiple wives simultaneously.
Soldiers must follow international law regarding sexual conduct when serving abroad. Some countries have strict laws against adultery, prostitution, and homosexuality, making intimate relationships complicated for some individuals.
Cultural differences in dress codes and social interaction norms between civilians and military personnel can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication.
Soldiers navigating relational hierarchy during deployment requires a balance between maintaining existing relationships and forming new ones within their unit. They must adapt to changes in leadership roles, communication methods, and cultural norms that challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations. The ability to navigate these challenges effectively depends on each soldier's individual personality, life experiences, and personal values.
How do soldiers navigate relational hierarchy during deployments?
Relational hierarchies are highly important for military personnel because they help them establish their place within the group dynamic and feel like an integral part of the team. During deployments, however, these hierarchical relationships may be disrupted as the environment changes and individuals must adapt to new roles and responsibilities. To navigate this change, soldiers may rely on communication skills such as openness and honesty with superiors about any concerns or challenges they face.