Soldiers experience high stress levels that can be detrimental to their mental health. They are prone to anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder due to the trauma they witness daily, especially when on assignment. Thus, it becomes necessary for them to maintain social ties through communication channels like letters, phone calls, video chats, emails, and visits. These methods help them keep track of life events back home and foster stronger bonds with family members, friends, lovers, and acquaintances. This paper explores ways soldiers sustain relational continuity during long assignments.
Most soldiers have spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, children, parents, siblings, and close relatives who provide emotional support. They may write letters expressing feelings about assignments and share their experiences while at war. Some may even send gifts, such as photos, clothes, or souvenirs. Soldiers also receive love messages from these loved ones to boost their spirits and make them feel appreciated and cared for. They might call home regularly to hear the voices of people back home, thus staying connected with the real world and avoiding loneliness.
A soldier might tell her lover how much she misses him, describing the harsh conditions of war, or sharing stories of his comrades' bravery. In addition, families might plan visits to show their love and care despite distance.
Soldiers can build new relationships by joining military clubs, sports teams, churches, or volunteering activities. These interactions enable them to meet new people, share common interests and values, and learn new skills.
A soldier may start playing football matches with other troops, forming strong bonds that last beyond deployment. Also, they may participate in community service programs, which provide opportunities for interaction with locals and enhance communication skills. This way, soldiers create meaningful social connections in unfamiliar surroundings.
Soldiers face challenges when maintaining relational continuity due to limited access to reliable communications networks.
Some areas lack internet connectivity, making it hard for soldiers to communicate with family members.
They may experience cultural differences or language barriers, which hinder understanding of local customs, norms, and beliefs.
Conflicts might occur during deployments, leading to misunderstandings or rifts between partners. Therefore, soldiers must be creative in finding ways to sustain emotional ties and avoid conflict.
Soldiers need continuous support from loved ones to survive the psychological trauma of war. They maintain relational continuity through letters, calls, emails, video chats, visits, sports, volunteerism, and building new friendships. These methods help them feel supported and appreciated despite being away from home.
How do soldiers sustain relational continuity during long or unpredictable assignments?
Soldiers often have unique ways of maintaining relational continuity while on assignment. One common strategy is by staying connected with friends and family through electronic means such as video chats, phone calls, emails, or social media posts. They also may engage in activities that provide a sense of normalcy like cooking favorite meals at home or practicing hobbies when possible.