Soldiers are always prepared to be deployed anywhere, anytime. They must adapt to new environments, cultures, climates, and languages while living in close quarters with their fellow soldiers and being away from their families for extended periods. This can cause stress, anxiety, fear, and depression. It also makes it difficult to plan for the future emotionally because they never know where they will be next year or even next month. Deployments often lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which causes flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance, avoidance behavior, and irritability. The constant possibility of redeployment makes long-term emotional planning challenging.
A study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that nearly half of veterans experience significant psychological distress related to deployment. The study showed that PTSD symptoms increase after each deployment and can last for years after active service ends. Symptoms worsen if the soldier experiences multiple deployments. The military culture values stoicism and bravery, so soldiers may hide their emotions out of shame or fear of seeming weak.
This can have serious consequences for relationships, careers, mental health, and overall well-being.
The uncertainty of where one's life is headed creates a sense of instability and unpredictability that undermines a person's ability to make plans. Soldiers cannot plan for marriage, children, home ownership, education, or career advancement without knowing where they will live or what job they might have. This lack of stability means they must constantly adjust their expectations, leading to disappointment when things don't go as planned. In addition, family members feel abandoned when loved ones are deployed suddenly. The soldier may miss important events like birthdays, graduations, weddings, or funerals because of unexpected changes in schedules.
Some strategies help soldiers cope with the constant possibility of redeployment. One is to create a "plan B" for every aspect of their lives. This includes having backup options for housing, employment, education, and relationships. It also involves creating a support network of friends, family, therapists, or other resources to turn to during times of stress or crisis. Another strategy is to focus on the present moment and avoid thinking too far ahead.
Regular exercise, mindfulness meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy can improve resilience and reduce anxiety about the future.
The constant possibility of redeployment has significant emotional effects on military personnel. It makes it challenging to plan for long-term goals, causes psychological distress, and strains personal relationships. Strategies such as planning contingencies, practicing mindfulness, and seeking professional help can alleviate some of these issues.
More research is needed to understand how to best support our troops emotionally throughout their careers and beyond.
How does the constant possibility of redeployment affect soldiers' long-term emotional planning?
The constant possibility of redeployment can have significant effects on soldiers' long-term emotional planning as they must prepare for unexpected changes in their lives and make contingency plans for their families and themselves. Soldiers may feel a sense of uncertainty and anxiety about their future, which can lead to emotional distress and difficulties with mental health and relationships.