The military has always been an institution that encourages a strong sense of loyalty and patriotism among its members.
When soldiers are sent to fight in war zones, they often experience feelings of deep disconnect from their families and loved ones back home. This disconnection can lead to significant changes in how soldiers perceive attachments in general, including romantic relationships and family bonds. In this article, I will explore how soldiers redefine attachment security after experiencing profound disconnection in combat.
One way that soldiers may redefine attachment security is by seeking out new sources of emotional support outside of traditional family structures.
Soldiers may form strong bonds with their comrades in arms, which can take on some of the functions traditionally fulfilled by spouses and children. These "brotherhoods" or "sisterhoods" can provide a sense of belonging and support that may be lacking in civilian life. They can also help soldiers process traumatic experiences and find meaning in their lives beyond the battlefield.
Another way that soldiers may redefine attachment security is by shifting their priorities away from domestic responsibilities towards more immediate concerns like survival and safety. This shift can lead to a redefinition of what constitutes "security," making it less about stability within a relationship and more about maintaining physical health and well-being. Soldiers may come to see relationships as unpredictable and fleeting, rather than dependable and enduring.
Soldiers who have experienced profound disconnection in combat may struggle to regain their footing in intimate relationships once they return home. They may feel distant and detached from partners who seem superficial compared to their fellow soldiers. They may also have difficulty trusting others and feeling comfortable in close quarters.
However, many soldiers are able to work through these issues and rebuild attachments with loved ones back home. They may learn to communicate openly about their experiences and develop new ways of relating that allow them to connect on a deeper level.
The experience of combat can significantly alter how soldiers view attachment security. It requires an adjustment period wherein they must redefine what is important to them and how they relate to others. With time and effort, however, many soldiers are able to overcome this challenge and build strong, healthy connections again.
How do soldiers redefine attachment security after experiencing profound disconnection in combat?
The experience of combat can cause significant trauma that affects the way individuals form attachments with others. Soldiers who have experienced war often struggle to establish secure relationships due to feelings of hypervigilance, hyperarousal, and hyperresponsivity, which may make them feel overly attentive to potential threats and unable to relax and connect with loved ones (Kaplan et al. , 2016).