The interpretation of "home" can take different forms depending on the context. For soldiers who are away from home for an extended period of time, their concept of home may shift from a physical location to a person or even a unit. This shift in definition can have significant implications on their emotional wellbeing and perception of safety. In this article, I will explore how soldiers interpret the emotional meaning of "home" when their sense of safety shifts from place to person or vice versa.
The Shift in Meaning
When soldiers are deployed, they often leave behind a physical space that they consider to be their home. Their family, friends, pets, possessions, and familiar surroundings become distant memories, replaced by new environments, people, and experiences. They must adapt to unfamiliar circumstances, including living conditions, climate, culture, language barriers, and potential danger. While some soldiers may feel homesickness or nostalgia for the comforts of home, others may find themselves feeling more connected to their fellow troops or the mission itself. The latter experience is known as psychological relocation, where soldiers' sense of belonging and security moves from the physical world to the social one.
Interpreting Emotions
For many soldiers, the transition from place-based to person-centered conception of home is not straightforward. They may feel conflicted between missing their loved ones back home and bonding with their comrades abroad. Some may struggle with feelings of isolation or loneliness while trying to maintain relationships with those at home through technology or letters. Others may feel a sense of camaraderie and community within their troop that makes them feel less homesick. Regardless of which group they fall into, soldiers' emotional interpretation of home can have significant impacts on their mental health and wellbeing.
Implications for Safety
The shift in meaning of "home" can also affect soldiers' perception of safety. Soldiers who see their unit as their primary source of support and protection may prioritize its needs over personal safety. This can lead to risky behavior or decisions that put them in harm's way without fully considering the consequences. Conversely, those whose definition of home shifts towards family and friends may be more cautious and risk-averse, focusing on protecting those back home rather than engaging in dangerous missions.
Both approaches come with potential drawbacks, such as sacrificing individual wellbeing for the collective good or feeling disconnected from one's team.
Coping Strategies
To navigate these challenges, soldiers may employ various coping strategies. These can include staying connected to loved ones back home through technology, journaling or letter writing, participating in leisure activities like sports or hobbies, or seeking counseling services.
Building strong bonds with fellow troops can help create a sense of belonging and security during deployment.
The key is recognizing that there are many different ways to interpret "home," and finding what works best for each soldier's unique situation.
How do soldiers interpret the emotional meaning of “home” when their sense of safety shifts from place to person or vice versa?
In the past decades, soldiers have been away from home for long periods during military missions due to various reasons such as the need to protect national interests, war or peacekeeping operations, or humanitarian aid efforts. The concept of "home" is essential because it provides them with an emotional anchor that can help them cope with challenges they face during their time abroad. The interpretation of "home" varies depending on the soldier's individual circumstances and personal experiences.