When military personnel are away from home for extended periods of time, they often miss out on important social events like weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. But it's not just these big life moments that can cause distance between them and their loved ones. Even day-to-day interactions can be difficult to maintain while serving abroad. This is where relational continuity comes into play.
Relational continuity refers to the ability to stay connected with friends, family members, and coworkers despite physical separation or limited communication. Military service members must find ways to keep their personal connections strong even when they are deployed or stationed far away. One way to do this is through digital communication tools such as text messaging, video calls, and email. These methods allow individuals to stay in touch without having to physically be present in the same place.
Another method is to utilize pre-recorded videos or messages that can be sent ahead of time.
If someone is expecting a baby while you're gone, you could record a video message congratulating them and wishing them well. Or if your spouse has a big work project coming up, you could leave a voicemail reminding them to take care of themselves during stressful times. This helps ensure that the relationship continues even when you're not there in person.
Service members also need to make an effort to stay connected with colleagues when working together. This includes regular check-ins, team building activities, and virtual social gatherings. By taking time to connect with others and build trust, military personnel can maintain their relationships despite intermittent or restricted communication.
Of course, no one knows what the future holds. Service members may have to adapt their strategies for maintaining relational continuity based on changing circumstances. But by being proactive about keeping in touch and showing support, they can help ensure that their relationships remain strong even when they're away from home.
How do service members maintain relational continuity with colleagues when communication is intermittent or restricted?
Service members may engage in various strategies to maintain relational continuity with their colleagues despite intermittent or restricted communication. One approach is to regularly check in with them through online messaging platforms or phone calls to keep track of each other's wellbeing and professional updates. They can also share relevant information about their work and personal lives through digital media such as social networks or email, which helps build trust and connection between them.