When soldiers go on deployment, they are often faced with new challenges that can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. This is particularly true for those who have been deployed multiple times, as their experiences may have led them to develop certain expectations about how life will be once they return home.
These expectations may not always align with reality, leading to tension and conflict within their personal and professional lives. This relational ambiguity is known as pre-deployment/post-deployment dissonance, and it can have serious consequences for the mental health of both individuals and society as a whole.
One way that soldiers manage this tension is through the development of coping mechanisms. These strategies help them to deal with the dissonance between their pre-deployment expectations and post-deployment realities, allowing them to maintain emotional stability and avoid becoming overwhelmed. Some common coping mechanisms include developing a strong support system, engaging in self-care activities such as exercise or meditation, and seeking professional help when needed.
Soldiers may try to distance themselves from family members or friends who do not understand their experience, which can further exacerbate feelings of isolation.
Another important factor in managing relational ambiguity is communication. Soldiers should strive to be open and honest with their loved ones about their experiences during deployment, sharing both positive and negative aspects of the experience. They should also listen actively to their partners' perspectives and make an effort to understand where they are coming from. By doing so, they can work together to find a compromise that satisfies everyone involved and helps to alleviate any tension caused by pre-deployment/post-deployment dissonance.
Managing relational ambiguity requires patience, understanding, and empathy on all sides. Both parties must be willing to accept that there will likely be some differences between pre-deployment expectations and post-deployment realities, and they must work together to find a solution that works for everyone involved. With time and effort, it is possible for soldiers and their loved ones to build healthy, sustainable relationships despite this challenge.
How do soldiers manage relational ambiguity when experiencing dissonance between pre- and post-deployment expectations?
Soldiers can experience different forms of relational ambiguity as they struggle with adjusting their expectations before and after deployment. This type of ambivalence may be particularly challenging for those who have been deployed multiple times or for extended periods due to the constant changes and unpredictability of warfare conditions.