When people are deployed for military service, they undergo a process known as predeployment training. This is when soldiers learn about their upcoming mission, including where they will be sent and how long they will serve. Some deployments last for months, while others can stretch to years, so it's important that everyone involved has a clear understanding of what to expect. During this time, those preparing for deployment may experience feelings of excitement, anticipation, anxiety, and fear—all of which can impact their relationships with loved ones. They may have difficulty making plans with friends and family members because they don't know exactly how much time they will have before their leave begins. In addition, the uncertainty surrounding their return home can cause strain in romantic partnerships.
It's common for couples to develop strong emotional attachments during deployment. Many soldiers find themselves missing their significant other more than ever before, but also feeling guilty about leaving them behind. The lack of physical contact makes staying connected difficult, and it takes extra effort to maintain intimacy from afar. One way to bridge the distance between two lovers is by writing letters or sending gifts back and forth.
If communication is limited due to security concerns or poor internet access, the relationship may become vulnerable to infidelity.
Anticipating deployment can also affect attachment behaviors among parents and children. Parents might feel anxious about being away from their kids for an extended period, worrying about what will happen in their absence. Children may struggle with separation anxiety and miss their parent, leading them to cling even harder after reunion. It's not uncommon for families to develop new routines and rituals when one member leaves, as well as strengthen bonds within the household. For some, these changes can be positive and create lasting memories; others may face challenges that test their resilience.
Predeployment training shapes relational planning and attachment behaviors in several ways: It creates anticipation, causes feelings of longing, impacts communication strategies, leads to increased closeness and connection between loved ones, increases stress on families, and encourages adaptability and flexibility. Deployment itself is a complicated process that requires patience, understanding, and openness.
In what ways does anticipation of deployment shape relational planning and attachment behaviors?
The anticipation of deployment can have significant effects on relational planning and attachment behaviors between couples before, during, and after a military service member's absence from home. Deployment anxiety is a common emotion experienced by both partners, leading them to engage in various behavioral patterns to cope with the separation. Some individuals may become distant and avoid communication while others become clingy and seek more intimacy.