Research shows that military personnel who serve multiple rotations away from home can experience significant disruptions to their personal lives due to loss of contact with family members, difficulty reconnecting when they return, changes in relationships with loved ones, and an overall sense of detachment from civilian life. These factors have negative impacts on emotional well-being and can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Children may struggle with attachment disorders or separation anxiety while their parents are deployed, which can affect their long-term development and social skills.
It is essential for military personnel and their families to be aware of these potential consequences so that they can prepare accordingly and seek support if necessary.
Consequences for Attachment and Relational Continuity
The primary consequence of repeated deployments is the breakdown of attachment bonds between military personnel and their loved ones. When soldiers are absent for extended periods, they miss out on important milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and holidays. This creates a sense of disconnection and can make it difficult for them to feel emotionally connected to those they love back home. In addition, frequent deployments can cause parents to become less involved in their children's lives, which can weaken their bond and negatively impact childhood development. The lack of consistent caregivers can also cause children to develop attachment disorders or other behavioral problems.
Loss of Contact and Reconnection Difficulties
Another consequence of rotational deployments is the loss of contact between military personnel and their loved ones. Soldiers may spend months or even years away from home without any regular communication, which can make it hard for them to stay up-to-date with family events and maintain meaningful relationships. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and detachment, particularly when they return and have trouble reconnecting with those who have moved on without them. Reintegration into civilian life can be challenging, and some veterans struggle to adjust to normal routines and social norms.
Changes in Relationships
Repeated deployments can also affect romantic relationships, as partners may experience difficulties coping with long separations, changes in roles and responsibilities, and the stressors of military life. Couples may find it harder to communicate effectively, leading to misunderstandings and resentment. Some may even consider divorce or breakup, further exacerbating emotional distress. Children may also struggle with the absence of one parent and may blame themselves or others for what has happened.
Long-Term Consequences
The long-term consequences of repeated deployments are varied and can include increased levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Military families may also face financial hardships due to reduced income and added expenses associated with deployment. Parents may need extra support to cope with these stresses and provide a stable environment for their children. Veterans may have difficulty reintegrating back into society and finding employment after service, impacting their overall quality of life and well-being.
To minimize the negative effects of rotational deployments, it is essential for military personnel and their families to prepare beforehand by planning ahead and communicating openly about expectations. It would help if you sought support from counselors or other resources when needed.
Families should make an effort to stay connected during deployments through regular communication and virtual visits.
Addressing the potential consequences of deployment can help mitigate its harmful effects on attachment bonds, relational continuity, and emotional well-being.
What are the long-term consequences of rotational deployments on attachment and relational continuity?
The researchers have found that one of the most severe impacts of multiple deployments is disrupted attachments to family members and partners. This could result from numerous factors, including frequent changes of location and absence during deployment. The absence may cause feelings of rejection and decreased connection with loved ones. As a result, it can lead to increased conflict and relationship strain when reunited.