The following research examines how soldiers manage their relational expectations during extended separations or uncertainty using ethnographic data from the U.S. Army. According to the findings, this is done through various strategies, such as communication technologies, social media, family visits, etc. This analysis explores the dynamics between deployed soldiers and their partners back home. In addition, it investigates the impact of these tactics on soldier morale, performance, mental health, and overall well-being. The study includes interviews with soldiers and their families and uses quantitative and qualitative methods to gather and analyze data.
The author provides recommendations for improving relational expectations management under prolonged separation or uncertainty.
Soldiers are required to leave behind loved ones when they get deployed, which can be challenging. Some ways they negotiate relational expectations include staying connected via phone calls, emails, video chats, letters, and social media posts. These allow them to maintain emotional closeness despite physical distance and build anticipation for future reunions. Family members also play an essential role in helping soldiers cope with deployment stressors by providing support, encouragement, and validation.
Long-term deployments pose significant risks that affect both parties' emotional needs.
Soldiers may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, guilt, anger, fear, jealousy, and frustration due to limited contact or information exchange. Partners may feel abandoned, anxious, resentful, lonely, depressed, and distrustful due to insecurity about the relationship. To manage these tensions, soldiers use various strategies, including maintaining transparency about their experiences, sharing news updates and personal stories, avoiding negative thoughts and behaviors, practicing gratitude and forgiveness, and keeping a positive outlook.
Effective communication and trust building are crucial for successful relational expectation negotiation during extended separations.
The findings from this research have implications for military policy and practice. Leaders should prioritize open communication and collaboration between soldiers and families to promote healthy relationships. They should encourage frequent check-ins and provide mental health resources to assist soldiers and partners coping with separation.
Leaders should recognize the importance of family visits as a critical factor in strengthening soldier morale, performance, and overall well-being. In addition, training programs should incorporate relationship management skills into education curricula to prepare soldiers for prolonged separations.
How do soldiers negotiate relational expectations under conditions of prolonged separation or uncertainty?
Due to the unpredictability of military deployments and the potential for extended separations from loved ones, soldiers may struggle with managing their relationships. These deployments can create feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety that impact both personal and professional lives. To navigate these challenges, soldiers must communicate effectively with their partners about their needs and expectations during this time.