A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine examined how rotation deployments affected soldiers' romantic relationships.
The researchers interviewed 124 military couples who had been together for an average of 6 years before the husband's deployment. Half of them were part of a group that experienced frequent separations due to deployment schedules; the other half consisted of couples whose husbands did not have such deployments.
The results showed that those who suffered from long-term rotational deployments reported lower levels of attachment, satisfaction, and emotional security than their counterparts who did not experience these deployments.
According to the report, "the longer the separation lasted, the more significant the drop was."
This suggests that even though soldiers may initially be enthusiastic about going away to serve their country, they eventually find it difficult to sustain strong attachments with their partners back home. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which can cause serious problems for both parties involved in a relationship.
When soldiers return home after being deployed for extended periods, they often face challenges reconnecting with their spouses emotionally and physically due to changes in each other's lives during their absence. These difficulties make it harder for them to feel secure in their relationships and increase the risk of divorce or infidelity later down the line.
One woman said she felt like her husband "wasn't really there" when he returned from his deployment because they couldn't talk about what happened while he was gone - something many other wives echoed as well. Another soldier described feeling "lost" upon returning from service because he didn't know how to connect with his wife anymore. The article then explains the effect on children: ". Children may also suffer if their parent is frequently away at war; they could struggle with feelings of abandonment or resentment towards their absent parent."
These results have implications for policymakers considering future military deployments and show how important it is for governments to consider family life when making decisions regarding long-term rotational deployments. It's essential for leaders to understand these potential negative consequences so they can implement strategies that minimize them.
How do rotational deployments affect long-term attachment, sexual satisfaction, and emotional security?
Rotational deployment refers to repeated periods of service that take place in different locations over time. This type of deployment can have both positive and negative impacts on long-term attachment, sexual satisfaction, and emotional security. On the one hand, it allows individuals to gain exposure to various cultures and experiences, which may lead to increased self-awareness and a more open-minded attitude towards others.