Soldiers who are frequently deployed and moved have to deal with many challenges that affect their personal lives, including family stability and emotional wellbeing. Relocating often means saying goodbye to loved ones and starting over in new places. Some researchers believe that this constant upheaval can lead to emotional distress and relationship problems.
There are strategies that soldiers can use to maintain relational continuity and emotional security while facing these challenges. In this article, I will discuss some of these strategies and how they work.
One way that soldiers can maintain relational continuity is by staying connected with friends and family members through social media and technology. Many apps allow users to video chat or message each other for free, so even if someone is far away, it's easy to keep in touch. This allows soldiers to maintain close bonds with those back home and feel like they're still part of the family unit. Soldiers may also want to consider using email or text messages to communicate regularly with loved ones. It helps them stay emotionally connected even when physically apart.
Another strategy is to develop strong friendships within the military community. When a soldier moves to a new location, they may meet fellow service members who become close friends. These relationships provide support during times of transition and help soldiers navigate a new environment.
Sharing common experiences such as deployments can create a bond between soldiers that last beyond any specific assignment. Having a group of trusted comrades makes it easier to cope with changes and challenges.
Soldiers should take advantage of opportunities to decompress after returning from deployment. Whether through counseling services, meditation, exercise, or simply spending time alone, finding ways to relax and unwind can be crucial to emotional stability. Taking care of one's mental health is important in any situation, but especially during frequent redeployments and relocations. By implementing these strategies, soldiers can maintain relational continuity and emotional security despite frequent moves and disruptions.
How do soldiers maintain relational continuity and emotional security during frequent redeployments and relocations?
The experience of war is often described as disorienting, alienating, and isolating due to its unique combination of intense physical danger, extreme stressors, prolonged separation from family and friends, and an unpredictable daily routine that can be interrupted at any time. The emotional consequences for soldiers who have experienced combat are well documented, but less attention has been given to those who must repeatedly leave their families and communities behind to serve in various military bases around the world.