Soldiers are often deployed for extended periods of time, which can put strain on their relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners back home.
Research has shown that soldiers have various ways of preserving their relational identities during deployment, even when they face challenges like frequent moves or long absences from loved ones. In this article, we will explore some of these mechanisms.
How Soldiers Maintain Relationships During Deployment
One way that soldiers maintain relationships during deployment is through communication technology. With access to phones, email, texting, video calls, and social media platforms, soldiers can stay connected with their loved ones even when they are far away. This allows them to share updates about their lives, express affection, and receive support from those who care about them. Many soldiers also use communication apps specifically designed for military personnel, such as VineLink or Military OneSource, to keep track of each other's movements and schedule phone calls or video chats.
Reconnecting After Deployment
When soldiers return home from deployment, reconnecting with loved ones may be difficult due to differences in behavior, language, and emotions. To help with this transition, many soldiers participate in reunification programs that offer guidance and resources for both parties involved. These programs typically involve counseling sessions, relationship-building activities, and opportunities for families to spend time together outside of the home.
Many organizations provide resources for soldiers and their loved ones to connect with others going through similar experiences.
Support Groups
Another mechanism for preserving relational identity among soldiers is participation in support groups. These groups provide a safe space for soldiers to discuss their experiences, share coping strategies, and build community with others who understand what they have gone through. Support groups can be organized by location, branch of service, or specific deployment experience, allowing soldiers to connect with others who have had similar challenges. Participation in these groups can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness while increasing resilience and self-esteem.
Keeping Up With Traditions and Rituals
Many soldiers maintain their relational identities during deployment by keeping up with traditions and rituals that are important to them. This might include celebrating holidays, attending family gatherings, or observing religious practices. By continuing these traditions even when apart, soldiers can feel connected to their loved ones and retain a sense of normalcy in an otherwise unpredictable situation. It also helps to create memories and shared experiences that strengthen relationships over time.
Despite the challenges of deployment, soldiers have various mechanisms at their disposal to preserve their relational identities. Communication technology, reunification programs, support groups, and tradition/ritual observance are just a few examples of ways that soldiers stay connected to their loved ones and maintain their sense of self despite being away from home. By utilizing these resources and building strong connections with those around them, soldiers can remain resilient and thrive both during and after deployment.
What mechanisms allow soldiers to preserve relational identity amidst continuous deployment?
Relational identity refers to one's perceived sense of belongingness within an interpersonal relationship. Maintaining relational identity is essential for maintaining mental health as it provides individuals with a sense of purpose, meaning, and support during challenging times. Despite the physical distance created by frequent deployments, soldiers can adopt various strategies to preserve their relational identities.