Soldiers are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations when serving in the military, which can make it difficult for them to maintain personal relationships with others.
They must still find ways to connect with their loved ones back home while deployed. This is where relational rituals come into play. Relational rituals are regular behaviors that help individuals stay connected with each other and foster feelings of closeness and connection.
Relational rituals include activities such as sending letters, making phone calls, sharing photos and videos, and using social media platforms. These rituals allow soldiers to keep up with their significant others' lives, share experiences, and show support from afar. They also provide an opportunity for shared meaning-making, allowing both parties to reflect on their relationship and discuss their feelings about it.
Writing a letter may involve sharing memories, expressing gratitude for one another, and discussing future plans.
Operational constraints can limit soldiers' ability to engage in these relational rituals. Soldiers may be away from their families for extended periods, have limited access to technology or internet connections, or face time constraints due to mission requirements. In addition, the emotional stress of combat can impact communication between soldiers and their loved ones, leading to misunderstandings and hurt feelings. As a result, soldiers must adapt their relational rituals to account for these challenges.
One way soldiers adapt their relational rituals is by utilizing innovative methods of communication. Instead of relying solely on traditional forms like letters or phone calls, they may use video chats, text messages, and messaging apps. These technologies allow for more spontaneous and interactive communication, which can compensate for some of the limitations imposed by distance and time zones.
Soldiers may choose to emphasize shorter but more frequent interactions over longer conversations to ensure they don't miss important moments in each other's lives.
Another adaptation is finding creative ways to maintain physical intimacy despite being apart. This could include sending personal items such as clothing or jewelry, creating customized videos or photos, or using sensory objects like scents or food to remind themselves of their partner. Some soldiers also share stories of experiences that are meaningful to both parties, such as discussing hobbies or interests or describing their surroundings.
It's essential for military couples to understand and support each other during times of deployment, even when operational constraints make it difficult to communicate regularly. By working together to find creative solutions, soldiers and their partners can maintain strong relationships despite being separated by geographical distance. With proper planning, preparation, and communication, both parties can thrive emotionally and physically, even when apart.
How do soldiers adapt relational rituals to operational constraints?
Soldiers can adjust their relational rituals to accommodate operational limitations by modifying social interactions with family members and friends while on deployment, which can include communicating more frequently via phone calls, video chats, or letters. They may also modify their routines for spending time together when reunited, such as altering plans to account for potential changes in schedule due to work demands.