Strategies to Reduce Relationship Tensions Caused by Rotational Deployments
A rotational deployment is a type of military assignment where soldiers are sent on temporary duty for extended periods, often lasting several months. This practice has become increasingly common in modern warfare due to technological advancements that allow for more efficient communication between troops and their families back home.
It also presents unique challenges when it comes to maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones. Here are some strategies to help mitigate relationship tension caused by rotational deployments.
1. **Communication** - One of the most important things you can do while deployed is stay connected with your partner through frequent communication. This means making time each day to send emails, texts, or voice messages expressing your love and support. It's crucial to establish regular check-ins so that both parties feel heard and understood despite being apart. Utilize video calls whenever possible, as they provide a face-to-face interaction that can help bridge the gap created by physical distance.
Consider sending care packages filled with small tokens from home to show how much you miss them and reassure them of your commitment.
2. **Planning** - Planning ahead can help reduce anxiety related to unpredictable work schedules and potential family emergencies while deployed. Try to schedule dates in advance before leaving and discuss any major life events that may arise during your absence. Make sure everyone involved knows what will happen if something unexpected occurs and who should be notified immediately. You might also want to arrange for someone to take over childcare duties if needed while away so that your spouse doesn't have to worry about handling everything alone.
3. **Flexibility** - When returning home after deployment, try not to expect too much right away. Both parties need time to adjust emotionally and physically back into their routine together again. Be patient and understanding if there are bumps along the way; it takes time for relationships to heal after such long periods of separation. Show appreciation for your partner's efforts at communicating with you while gone by acknowledging their efforts instead of taking them for granted upon your return.
4. **Transparency** - Keeping secrets during a rotational deployment is never advisable because suspicions often arise when trust is broken due to lack of communication or transparency. Honesty helps maintain open lines of dialogue between couples even when miles apart. Share your experiences as best you can without compromising operational security protocols, so they feel included rather than left out. This requires vulnerability on both sides but ultimately strengthens trust and intimacy.
5. **Teamwork** - Don't forget that deployments affect more than just two people: extended family members, friends, coworkers, etc., all must deal with having a loved one absent from daily life in some capacity. Work towards creating a support network around you both that understands the unique challenges presented by military service and offers encouragement whenever possible. It may mean scheduling group activities like game nights or weekend get-togethers that include everyone involved, including children who also miss Mom/Dad. Remember that you're not alone in this journey and rely on others for strength and comfort when needed most.
6. **Adaptability** - Lastly, remember that change is an inevitable part of every relationship - especially ones impacted by frequent separations caused by deployment cycles. Be willing to adapt as new issues arise and find creative solutions together; don't assume things will automatically fall back into place once reunited physically again after each rotation ends. Instead, work together on ways to address problems before they become bigger issues down the road.
While rotational deployments present challenges, there are many strategies available to mitigate relational tensions caused by them if approached intentionally and mindfully. Communication, planning ahead, flexibility, transparency, teamwork, and adaptability can help keep relationships healthy despite physical distance between partners during these difficult times.
What strategies help mitigate the relational consequences of rotational deployments?
In addition to keeping in regular contact with family members through phone calls and online communication, military personnel stationed abroad can also explore other ways to maintain healthy relationships despite their absence. One way is to participate in events together virtually, such as watching movies or playing games together using video chat. Another option is for families to create a shared calendar that outlines when certain activities are scheduled, including celebrating holidays and special occasions.