Many people join the armed forces to serve their country and protect it from harm.
They often encounter challenges while serving in prolonged military operations that require them to reassess their priorities. These challenges include facing death, injury, isolation, and trauma. They also involve dealing with changing roles within the unit, shifting relationships, and adjusting to new environments. In this article, we will explore how individuals renegotiate their internal hierarchy of emotional, relational, and personal priorities when confronted with ongoing uncertainty and risk.
Emotional Priorities
When facing danger, military personnel must focus on survival and mission success. This can lead to heightened anxiety and stress levels, which may impact their emotional wellbeing. To cope with these feelings, many soldiers develop coping strategies such as humor, camaraderie, and resilience. They may also turn to substances or other unhealthy behaviors to manage their emotions.
They may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to exposure to combat trauma. PTSD symptoms include intrusive memories, avoidance behavior, hypervigilance, and negative thoughts. Soldiers struggling with PTSD may withdraw from others and struggle with intimacy and closeness.
Relational Priorities
During military service, soldiers may face separation from family and friends for long periods. They may also form close bonds with fellow troops, which can be difficult to maintain after deployment. When confronted with trauma, some soldiers may feel a need to seek comfort and connection, but they may find it hard to open up emotionally to loved ones back home. Others may become more distant or even estranged from family and friends. Maintaining positive relationships with significant others is crucial for overall mental health. Military spouses may need extra support during deployments and upon return, particularly if there are children involved.
Personal Priorities
Military life requires sacrifices in terms of time, energy, and personal freedom. Individuals may prioritize their job over personal interests, hobbies, and passions.
This can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. To prevent burnout, military personnel must take care of themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. This means getting enough rest, eating well, exercising regularly, meditating or praying, pursuing hobbies and interests, and seeking social support. It also involves setting boundaries and priorities around work-life balance.
Prolonged military operations challenge individuals' emotional, relational, and personal priorities. Coping strategies such as humor, camaraderie, resilience, substance use, and PTSD treatment can help manage stress levels and avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms. Maintaining strong connections with loved ones and pursuing personal interests are essential for overall wellbeing. By prioritizing self-care, soldiers can avoid burnout and live fulfilling lives both on and off the battlefield.
How do individuals serving in prolonged military operations renegotiate their internal hierarchy of emotional, relational, and personal priorities when confronted with ongoing uncertainty and risk?
Individuals who serve in prolonged military operations may need to adjust their hierarchy of emotional, relational, and personal priorities due to the nature of their work environment. They are often faced with ongoing uncertainty and risk, which can affect their ability to establish and maintain relationships both within the military community and outside it. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation.