The military life is filled with constant change and uncertainty. Soldiers are frequently transferred to new units, and often have to leave their friends and family behind. This can be difficult for everyone involved, but it's even more challenging when you consider how this affects your sense of self and community. Maintaining your relational identity and continuity in such circumstances requires some creativity and effort.
Strategies for maintaining relational identity and continuity
One way soldiers can maintain their relational identity and continuity despite frequent unit changes and deployments is by staying connected to their old friends and family members through social media and video calls. It may seem like an obvious solution, but it can be incredibly effective if done correctly. By keeping up with your loved ones online, you can feel less disconnected from them while still being able to build new friendships within your new unit.
Another strategy is to find ways to connect with your new teammates quickly. Get involved in activities that will help bond you together as a group, whether that means going out for drinks after work or taking part in team sports. The faster you get to know each other, the easier it will be to form lasting relationships and memories.
It's also important to remember that no matter what happens, there will always be times when you miss your old unit. Allow yourself time to grieve the loss of those relationships, but don't let it consume you entirely. Focus on making the most out of your current situation and creating new connections instead. You never know who might become a lifelong friend or ally in future assignments!
Don't forget about yourself during all this change. Make sure you take care of your mental health by finding ways to relax and unwind outside of work. Whether it's reading a book, meditating, or talking to someone about your feelings, make self-care a priority so that you can show up fully for your job every day.
How do soldiers maintain relational identity and continuity despite frequent unit changes and deployments?
Soldiers who experience frequent deployment and change of units have an inherent challenge in developing and maintaining strong bonds with their fellow service members as well as with those at home due to the lack of stability. This has been addressed by some researchers through studies which revealed that they employ various strategies in order to continue to identify themselves as part of a group while still preserving their individual identities.