Military service can be challenging for both individuals and their families. One of the most difficult aspects is separation due to deployment or extended training periods. This separation can put a strain on marriages, particularly if there are children involved.
Many successful military couples have learned how to cope with this challenge by preserving their identities while apart.
Communication
The most important strategy for preserving relational identity during rotational deployments is communication. This means maintaining frequent contact through phone calls, emails, video chats, letters, or social media messages. These communications should focus on topics beyond just daily life and include updates about emotions, thoughts, feelings, and plans for the future. It's also essential to schedule regular check-ins to discuss problems that arise while one spouse is away. Couples who do this tend to feel more connected even though they are physically apart.
Scheduling
Scheduling regular activities together before and after deployments can help preserve relational identity.
A couple might plan a vacation or date night when one returns home. They might also establish a routine for weekly or monthly video chats so they don't lose touch with each other's lives.
Having mutual goals such as saving money or exercising regularly can keep them focused on shared interests rather than just missing each other.
Rituals and Traditions
Creating rituals and traditions around special occasions or milestones can help couples stay connected despite being separated. This could involve sending care packages, making homemade videos, or sharing photographs of meaningful places. In addition, setting aside time for intimate moments like watching movies or reading books together can create a sense of closeness even from afar.
Support Network
It's crucial for military families to have support networks in place during separations. Friends, family members, and community organizations can provide companionship, advice, and assistance if needed. Joining online groups of military spouses or attending events specifically designed for those going through similar experiences can also be helpful.
Faith communities often offer support and guidance for those facing challenges associated with deployment.
While deployments can be difficult for military couples, there are strategies that allow them to maintain their identities and relationships while apart. Communication, scheduling, rituals and traditions, and support networks are all essential components of successful deployments. By following these tips, military families can weather the storm of separation and come out stronger on the other side.
What strategies allow military couples to preserve relational identity during rotational deployments?
Military couples can preserve their relational identity during rotational deployments by using various strategies such as open communication, shared activities, family involvement, mutual support, and maintaining a healthy relationship. Open communication between partners is essential for understanding each other's needs and feelings during deployment periods. Regular video calls, phone calls, and messages help couples stay connected and feel closer despite physical separation.