In today's world, military deployments have become increasingly commonplace, with many soldiers being deployed for extended periods of time. These deployments can have profound effects on both soldiers and their families, particularly in terms of their relational identities.
Little research has been conducted to explore how soldiers navigate these changes in their personal lives while deployed. In this article, we will examine the ways in which soldiers rebuild their relational identity when their personal experiences evolve independently from those back home during deployment.
How does the absence of loved ones impact soldier's relational identity?
One of the most significant ways that deployments affect a soldier's relational identity is through the absence of their loved ones. When soldiers are away from their family members, friends, and partners, they may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and separation anxiety. This can make it difficult for them to maintain healthy relationships even after returning home.
Without access to regular communication and support systems, soldiers may find themselves feeling disconnected from their social networks and struggled to reintegrate into civilian life.
How do physical and emotional changes shape soldier's relational identity?
Deployments also often bring about physical and emotional changes in soldiers, such as injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These changes can further complicate their ability to connect with others and build healthy relationships.
Soldiers with PTSD may struggle with trust issues, hypervigilance, and an exaggerated startle response, making it hard to relax around people they love. They may also become more isolated and withdrawn, leading to strained relationships with family members and romantic partners.
How do soldiers cope with changes in sexuality and intimacy during deployment?
For some soldiers, deployments can also lead to shifts in their sexuality and intimacy needs. The lack of regular physical contact and affection while deployed can cause changes in libido, sexual orientation, or relationship preferences. This can be particularly challenging for those who were previously comfortable with certain types of relationships but now find themselves struggling to connect with their partners on an intimate level.
Soldiers may face new pressures related to sexual harassment, assault, or other forms of violence, which can further disrupt their sense of self and relationships.
Military deployments can have profound effects on a soldier's relational identity, impacting everything from their communication patterns to their sexual and emotional wellbeing. By understanding these factors, we can better support our troops both during and after deployment to ensure that they maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships with the people they love.
How do soldiers rebuild relational identity when personal experiences evolve independently during deployment?
When soldiers deploy abroad for missions, they are not only physically separated from their families and friends but also temporarily disconnected from familiar cultural norms, community expectations, social networks, and professional obligations that define them as individuals with specific roles and responsibilities within society. This can lead to significant changes in their self-perception, causing difficulties in maintaining intimate relationships upon returning home.