When soldiers are deployed to dangerous areas for combat operations, they must work together closely with their fellow troops to achieve success in the mission. Relational cohesion is an important aspect that ensures that soldiers trust each other and can depend on one another in difficult situations.
It is common for some soldiers to experience stress independent of others, which could impact their ability to maintain this vital relationship. This article explores how soldiers can maintain relational cohesion when partners face such challenges.
Soldiers need to acknowledge that their partner may be undergoing stressful events that are outside of their control. The effects of operational stressors like combat or hazardous conditions can be severe and affect even the strongest soldier. It is crucial for both parties to understand and accept that these experiences are unique and cannot be fully controlled or prevented. By acknowledging this fact, soldiers can avoid blaming themselves or their partner for the situation, which would create unnecessary tension and distance between them.
Soldiers should communicate openly about the sources of their partner's stress. This means listening attentively to what the partner says without interruption or judgment. Active listening requires paying full attention, reflecting back what was said, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions to ensure understanding. Soldiers who do not communicate effectively can miss essential information about their partner's feelings and struggles, leading to misunderstandings and increased strain on the relationship.
Soldiers should provide support to their partner. This includes offering emotional, practical, and logistical assistance as needed.
They might offer a shoulder to cry on, help with daily tasks, or coordinate care from a mental health professional. Support can take many forms but must be tailored to the needs of the individual.
Fourth, soldiers should maintain routines and rituals together. These could include regular meals, workouts, or social activities. Maintaining a sense of normalcy in an abnormal environment can promote resilience and build trust within the partnership.
They may find comfort in sharing stories, memories, or inside jokes.
Soldiers need to practice empathy and compassion towards their partner. Empathy is putting oneself in another person's shoes and seeing things from their perspective. Compassion involves feeling sympathy and wanting to alleviate suffering. By showing empathy and compassion, soldiers demonstrate that they understand and care for their partner's experiences. They also show that they are willing to sacrifice time and energy to help them cope with these challenges.
Relational cohesion between soldiers is crucial for success on the battlefield. When one partner experiences stress independently of the other, it can create tension and distance if not addressed appropriately. Soldiers can maintain this vital relationship by acknowledging their partner's experiences, communicating effectively, providing support, establishing routine, and practicing empathy and compassion. With patience, understanding, and dedication, even the most challenging situations can be overcome.
How do soldiers maintain relational cohesion when partners experience stress independently of the soldier's own operational stress?
Soldiers may adopt various strategies to maintain relational cohesion with their partners who are experiencing stress independently of their own operational stress. Some of these strategies include active listening, empathy, and open communication. Active listening involves paying attention to the other person's feelings and nonverbal cues while they speak and responding appropriately. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.