Soldiers who are deployed for extended periods of time often develop strong bonds with their fellow soldiers through shared hardships and experiences.
After multiple deployments, these bonds can become strained due to the cumulative effects of trauma and stress. This can lead to a lack of trust between soldiers, which can make it difficult to maintain healthy personal and professional relationships. In this article, we will explore how soldiers can rebuild relational trust when cumulative deployment experiences have eroded previous confidence in emotional safety.
Let's define what relational trust is. Relational trust is the belief that someone will behave consistently based on past interactions. It involves predictability, honesty, reliability, openness, and vulnerability. When soldiers experience traumatic events together, they may form deep connections that feel like family.
If these bonds are repeatedly broken due to repeated deployments, soldiers may start to question whether or not they can rely on each other in times of need.
There are several strategies that soldiers can use to rebuild relational trust. One strategy is to establish clear communication channels. Soldiers should communicate regularly about their needs and expectations to avoid misunderstandings and miscommunication. This includes talking openly about feelings and experiences, sharing thoughts and ideas, and listening actively to one another. Another strategy is to set boundaries and limits on what is acceptable behavior within the relationship.
Soldiers may agree to respect each other's privacy, avoid gossiping or criticizing others, and stay out of each other's business unless asked for help.
Soldiers can practice self-care to build resilience and strengthen their own emotional wellbeing. This can involve activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling, and therapy.
It is important to note that rebuilding relational trust takes time and patience. Soldiers may need to work through old wounds and grievances before they can fully trust each other again. They may also need to be willing to forgive mistakes and wrongdoings from the past. With effort and understanding, however, soldiers can repair damaged relationships and create stronger bonds than ever before.
How do soldiers rebuild relational trust when cumulative deployment experiences have eroded previous confidence in emotional safety?
Many factors can contribute to the breakdown of relational trust between partners, but one common cause is the stress of military deployments. When a soldier returns home after being away for an extended period, they may feel disconnected from their partner and struggle to communicate effectively about their experiences. This can lead to feelings of distrust and resentment, which can ultimately damage the relationship.