Soldiers deployed for military service face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining close relationships back home due to frequent deployments and extended separations from their partners. Maintaining emotional connections, including physical intimacy, is essential to maintaining healthy relationships both during deployment and upon return.
The reality of repeated deployments and periods of separation can put strain on these relationships, creating obstacles that must be overcome through adjustment and adaptation. In this essay, we will explore how soldiers adapt relational and sexual routines to maintain intimacy during repeated cycles of deployment and reintegration.
One of the most common challenges faced by couples during deployment is communication. While technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with loved ones while away, there are still limitations to the effectiveness of digital communication. This means that soldiers may struggle to express themselves fully, especially in terms of their own feelings and needs. As such, they must develop new ways of communicating emotionally and physically with their partner to maintain closeness.
Some couples may choose to engage in more frequent phone or video calls to keep up with each other's daily lives and share updates. Others may send written letters or notes, which can serve as a tangible reminder of their connection. Some couples even choose to create shared projects, like scrapbooks or recipes, that allow them to work together despite being apart. Whatever method they choose, the key is to find something meaningful that allows both parties to feel connected.
In addition to communication, sex and intimacy play an important role in maintaining close relationships. Soldiers may need to adjust their usual routine to accommodate for long separations and frequent deployments.
Some couples may agree to abstain from physical contact during deployment periods, focusing instead on emotional intimacy and support. Others may establish specific rules around physical touch, such as only kissing when they see each other or saving sexual encounters for special occasions. These boundaries help maintain the level of intimacy needed to keep the relationship strong.
Soldiers who experience trauma or stress during deployment may have difficulty reintegrating into civilian life and reestablishing healthy routines at home. This can lead to tension between partners and difficulties reconnecting emotionally. It is essential for couples to be patient with one another and take time to rebuild trust and understanding after a deployment period. They should also seek professional help if necessary to address any underlying issues that may be affecting their relationship.
Maintaining closeness during repeated cycles of deployment and reintegration requires flexibility, patience, and openness. While it may not always be easy, soldiers must adapt to new routines and ways of communicating to keep their relationship strong. By working together and making sacrifices, soldiers and their partners can overcome these challenges and maintain a vibrant connection despite separation.
How do soldiers adapt relational and sexual routines to maintain intimacy during repeated cycles of deployment and reintegration?
Despite the challenges that military personnel face with respect to their relationships during deployments and reintegrations, research indicates that soldiers often find ways to preserve intimate connections through various strategies (Bell et al. , 2018). One such strategy is by engaging in regular communication via phone calls, texts, emails, social media posts, etc. which allows them to stay connected with loved ones even when they are not physically present.