Soldiers face many challenges when deployed for extended periods of time. They miss their families, friends, and familiar routines, often for months or even years at a time. But what about those who serve multiple times, such as in consecutive tours of duty? How can they keep up relationships that span continents and cultures while undergoing frequent changes in location, assignment, and personal circumstances? In this article, we will explore strategies used by soldiers to maintain relational continuity across rotational deployments.
Let's define "relational continuity." It refers to the ability of individuals to sustain meaningful connections with others despite physical separation due to distance, disruption, or other factors. This is especially important for soldiers, whose lives are characterized by frequent moves, training exercises, operations, and other activities that pull them away from home and loved ones. Maintaining relational continuity requires effort and intentionality. The following strategies can help achieve it.
1. Develop strong communication habits. Soldiers must find ways to stay connected to each other beyond standard calls and emails. Some might send photos, videos, or audio recordings of themselves doing everyday tasks or practicing their hobbies. Others may participate in virtual hangouts or game nights. Some use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat to share updates, memories, and inside jokes. All these tactics build trust and intimacy among team members, making future redeployments more manageable.
2. Plan ahead. Before leaving on deployment, soldiers should discuss expectations and responsibilities with family members and friends. They should also set up regular check-ins and schedule time for video chats, phone calls, or email exchanges. Leaders can create calendars to ensure everyone stays accountable. Planning helps avoid misunderstandings and resentment when communication becomes sporadic or irregular.
3. Find common ground. When communicating across different cultures, shared interests or experiences provide a basis for connection. Soldiers might talk about sports teams they support, books they read, movies they watch, or music they enjoy. Finding common ground allows individuals to feel heard, understood, and appreciated despite physical distance.
4. Use empathy. Both parties in a relationship need to be patient and understanding during deployments. Each person's life is changing, and both are dealing with new challenges. Empathizing means recognizing that others have feelings and needs just as we do, even if they cannot always express them directly. This fosters compassion and respect between partners who may not see each other often.
5. Be adaptable. Deployed soldiers must adjust quickly to unfamiliar situations, including language barriers, cultural differences, and technological limitations. Those at home should show flexibility too by accommodating shifting schedules or unexpected changes of plans. Adaptability builds resilience in relationships, allowing them to weather any storm that comes their way.
6. Practice self-care. Maintaining relational continuity requires effort from all involved. Deployed soldiers should prioritize healthy habits like exercise, nutrition, sleep, and relaxation techniques. At-home partners can take care of themselves too by staying physically active, eating well, and engaging in stress-relieving activities. Taking care of oneself helps maintain emotional stability and openness when interacting with loved ones.
7. Seek help when needed. Sometimes, soldiers face mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues can strain personal and professional relationships, making it harder to connect across distance. If you notice warning signs, seek support from trained professionals immediately.
Maintaining relational continuity across rotational deployments takes work but is essential for soldiers' physical and emotional wellbeing. By implementing the strategies above, individuals can keep up communication channels, build trust, and develop resiliency during separation.
What strategies do soldiers use to maintain relational continuity across rotational deployments?
Many factors contribute to the maintenance of relational continuity among military personnel during periods of rotation. One strategy that has been found effective is frequent communication between service members and their loved ones. This can be done through phone calls, emails, letters, and social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram. Additionally, creating a strong support system with fellow service members who are also deployed can help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness.