The United States military has two primary deployment types: short-term and long-term. In general, short-term deployments are less than six months while long-term deployments last more than one year. For both types of deployments, it is important for service members to have strong emotional support systems in place. Short-term deployments typically involve spouses, family members, and close friends providing this support through visits home, phone calls, emails, text messages, video chats, and care packages. Long-term deployments often require additional forms of communication such as letters, social media posts, and video recordings.
There are differences in how these supports affect emotional wellbeing during each type of deployment.
Short-term deployments may be easier emotionally because families can maintain routine activities that provide stability and structure. Spouses and children can attend school and work normally, participating in sports teams, clubs, or other extracurricular activities. Parents and relatives can visit frequently, reducing isolation and loneliness.
Short-term deployments also tend to disrupt relationships between couples and families by creating stressors like money management, childcare responsibilities, and house maintenance. These stressors can increase anxiety, anger, resentment, and depression.
Shorter deployments do not allow for a reintegration period where service members return home before going back to their jobs. This can lead to an abrupt transition from deployment life to civilian life with limited time for adjustment.
Long-term deployments offer some advantages over short-term ones when it comes to emotional support. Because service members are away for longer periods of time, they can build stronger relationships with fellow soldiers and develop closer bonds. They can also spend more time writing letters and sending care packages which help them feel connected to loved ones. Yet long-term deployments pose challenges too. Families may struggle to cope without their soldier for extended periods of time, leading to loneliness and worry. Children may have difficulty managing the absence of one parent, causing behavioral issues at home and school. Long-term deployments also create additional strains on finances and family schedules due to frequent moves.
Both types of deployments require different approaches to providing emotional support. Short-term deployments benefit from routine activities that provide structure while long-term deployments rely on strong communication channels. Both types require attention to mental health needs during and after deployment to ensure successful reintegration into family life. Service members should prioritize seeking professional assistance if needed, utilizing services such as military counseling or private therapy. By understanding how patterns of mutual emotional support differ between short-term and long-term deployments, families and service members can work together to navigate these unique challenges.
How do patterns of mutual emotional support differ between short-term and long-term deployments?
Mutual emotional support may take on different forms during short-term and long-term military deployments due to factors such as duration, geographical location, mission requirements, and family involvement. During short-term deployments, emotional support is usually provided through phone calls, letters, emails, and video chat. These methods allow for quick communication between the deployed soldier and their loved ones, providing them with updates on personal and professional life.