Military deployment could have consequences for marriages and families as a whole. It is not only the military personnel who are affected by deployments, but also their spouses and children. Deployments could put a strain on marriages, leading to a higher chance of divorce. In this article, we will delve into the effects of military deployments on marriage and divorce.
Introduction
Military deployments could have significant effects on marriages and relationships. Many military spouses struggle with the stress of extended and perhaps unpredictable deployments. The frequent separation, coupled with the fear of danger for the deployed partner, can lead to negative psychological and emotional effects.
The Strains of Deployments
Military deployments create potential strains on the marital relationship due to:
Long Separations
Deployment involves extended periods of time away from home. During these periods, military personnel may be unable to communicate with their spouses regularly. This extended time apart could lead to feelings of loneliness, separation anxiety, and emotional disconnection.
Anxiety and Stress
The fear of the unknown, danger, and moral injury of war can have significant emotional and psychological effects, which result in anxiety, fear, worry, and stress. If left untreated, these worries and concerns could put a strain on the marital relationship, leading to further issues.
Changes in Roles
During military deployments, spouses at home have additional responsibilities, such as managing the household as well as taking care of any children, often single-handedly. This newfound responsibility could create additional pressure.
Deployment and Divorce
There is so much stress and strain couples can withstand before calling it quits. Military deployments could pave the way for marital conflict and, consequently, divorce. Here are some ways deployments could result in divorce:
Infidelity
Extended deployments can lead to infidelity, as the deployed individual is away for a long time, and their spouse could feel neglected. Loneliness is one of the primary reasons for the spouses of military service members to cheat on their partners.
Financial Stress
Deployments could lead to an additional financial strain on the military family as the income level could significantly reduce. As a result, the financial responsibilities could fall on the deployed partner or the spouse back home. This additional pressure could lead to disagreements or arguments, which could snowball to divorce.
Coping with Deployments
Couples can take steps to deal with deployment-related stress. Here are some ways couples can enhance their marital bond and minimize the strain of military deployment:
Communication
Communication is essential in any relationship, but especially when dealing with deployment. The deployed person may feel disconnected from home and vice versa. Regular calls, video chats, and messaging could help ease the anxiety and stress during deployment.
Emotional Support
During deployment, the deployed spouse needs emotional support, and so does their significant other. Seek support from family, friends, or a professional counselor to navigate the challenges during deployment.
Planning
It is important to talk about how to handle finances, childcare, and home management before deployment. Setting in place a plan early on will help ease the stress and anxiety during the deployment.
Make Space for Fun
Deployments can be emotionally and physically draining, but it is important to have some fun. Plan activities such as watching movies together, playing games, or taking an online class together.
Conclusion
Deployment, although necessary, has significant impacts on the military family and marital relationships. Deployments could cause stress, anxiety, and emotional strain, leading to divorce. However, by communicating effectively, planning, and seeking emotional support, military service members and their spouses could navigate deployment-induced stress and maintain a healthy marital relationship during and after deployment.