Soldiers are known for their courage, strength, and dedication to duty; however, they also face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining their relational identity while living in constant mobility. In this article, I will explore some strategies that soldiers can employ to stay connected to family and friends despite frequent relocations, long deployments, and irregular schedules.
One way that soldiers can preserve their relational identity is through effective communication planning. This means setting aside time each day to call home or send messages to loved ones. It may also involve creating a routine where family members know when they should expect calls or emails from their soldier. Regular communication helps keep relationships strong even when physical proximity is limited.
Soldiers can establish rituals or traditions such as sharing photos or stories of daily life during deployment, celebrating special occasions together virtually, or sending care packages.
Another strategy is to prioritize quality time when possible. When reunited with loved ones, soldiers must make an effort to be fully present and engaged, giving full attention rather than multitasking or being distracted by technology. They might also seek out activities that bring them closer together, such as taking walks, cooking dinner, or watching movies. By making these moments meaningful, soldiers can create lasting memories that sustain them through periods of separation.
Soldiers can take advantage of technology to stay connected. Social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Snapchat offer opportunities for instant messaging, photo-sharing, video chatting, and even gaming together across great distances. These tools allow soldiers to feel more connected to their loved ones' lives while still on duty.
It is essential to use this technology responsibly, avoiding negative behaviors like oversharing personal information or engaging in online arguments.
Soldiers can maintain their relational identity by actively participating in support networks, such as military groups or veterans' organizations. Joining a group of fellow service members who share similar experiences can provide emotional support, advice, and encouragement.
Connecting with civilian communities like churches, sports teams, or volunteer organizations can help soldiers find purpose outside of the military and build relationships based on shared interests and values.
Soldiers must work hard to preserve their relational identity despite frequent relocations, long deployments, and irregular schedules. Effective communication planning, quality time, embracing technology, and joining support networks are all strategies that can help them do so. With persistence and creativity, soldiers can stay connected to those they love and continue to thrive emotionally and socially even when apart from home.
How do soldiers preserve relational identity in contexts of constant mobility?
During their service, soldiers are constantly moving around and have limited time for socializing with family members and friends back home. This can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from their usual support network. To maintain a sense of relational identity, soldiers may develop new relationships within their military unit or seek out connections with other veterans who understand their unique experiences.