Soldiers often face several challenges when deployed to different locations for extended periods. One such challenge is maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones back home, particularly when they are forced to leave suddenly due to military orders or unforeseen circumstances. While some may find it easy to stay in touch through phone calls, emails, and social media, others may struggle to keep up with these methods due to long distances, limited resources, or time constraints. Relational continuity refers to the ability of soldiers to continue building and strengthening their bonds with family members despite frequent redeployments or relocations. This can be achieved through various strategies and approaches, including regular communication, shared experiences, and prioritizing relationships.
Regular Communication
Communication is essential in maintaining relational continuity between soldiers and their loved ones. Soldiers should make a conscious effort to communicate regularly, even if it's just a quick check-in message or video call. Establishing a routine and schedule for contact helps both parties feel more connected and reduces feelings of separation.
Couples can decide to set aside specific days and times for daily calls or messages.
Using technology like Skype or Facetime allows them to see each other in real-time, making communication more personal and intimate.
Shared Experiences
Shared experiences help create memories and bonding moments that soldiers can refer to during deployments or relocations. These could include weekend trips or vacations, outdoor activities, sports events, or cultural experiences. By sharing these experiences together, soldiers can develop a common ground of understanding and empathy, which makes it easier to relate to one another even when they are apart. Soldiers can also share pictures, videos, and stories from their travels to create a sense of closeness and connection.
Prioritization
Soldiers must prioritize their relationships by setting aside time and resources to stay connected. They may need to sacrifice some leisure activities or social engagements to maintain strong connections with their partners or children. They may also need to adjust their schedules to accommodate the needs of their family members, such as attending school plays or doctor appointments remotely. This requires selflessness, sacrifice, and flexibility but can be essential for preserving relational continuity.
Tips for Maintaining Relational Continuity
1. Communication is key - Make a conscious effort to communicate regularly, even if it's just a quick check-in message or video call. Establish a routine and schedule for contact so both parties feel more connected.
2. Share experiences - Plan weekend trips, outdoor activities, cultural experiences or sporting events. Create shared memories and bonding moments that can be referred back to later.
3. Prioritize your relationship - Sacrifice leisure activities or social engagements to maintain strong connections with your partner or children. Adjust your schedule to accommodate the needs of your family members.
4. Stay positive - Remind yourself that being away from home doesn't mean you have to neglect your relationship. Use technology and creativity to find ways to stay close despite distance.
5. Ask for help - Reach out to other soldiers who have been in similar situations and learn from their experiences. Seek support groups or counseling services when needed.
6. Be patient - Building and maintaining healthy relationships takes time and effort. Don't expect everything to happen overnight. Trust in the process and know that it will get better with time.
Soldiers must prioritize relational continuity by making regular communication, sharing experiences, and sacrificing personal interests to keep up with loved ones back home. They may also need to seek support and guidance from fellow soldiers or mental health professionals to cope with the challenges of frequent redeployments or relocations. By following these tips, soldiers can preserve their relationships and build stronger bonds even under difficult circumstances.
How do soldiers maintain relational continuity during frequent redeployments or relocations?
The primary purpose of relational continuity is to maintain personal connections with friends, family members, romantic partners, and colleagues despite long periods of separation due to redeployments or relocation. Maintaining relational continuity can be challenging for soldiers who are constantly on the move, but there are several strategies that can help them stay connected with their loved ones despite the distance.