Navigating Military Deployment: How Couples Can Overcome Challenges and Strengthen Relationships

Military deployments can be difficult for both partners. To help military couples navigate the challenges of deployment and post-deployment, it is important to understand the unique stressors that come with military life. Couples should make an effort to talk openl

Navigating Military Deployment: How Couples Can Overcome Challenges and Strengthen Relationships

Military deployments and assignments can be difficult for both partners, as they miss out on important events such as anniversaries and birthdays. To overcome these struggles, military couples must learn to communicate effectively and listen to each other's needs. Military relationships have unique challenges that soldiers and their spouses must address together. These include culture shock, financial issues, and infidelity in the military, all of which can put immense stress on relationships.

However, with work and commitment, military couples can overcome these difficulties and live a happy life full of love. Deployment can put relationships to the test, but returning from deployment can also pose its own set of challenges. During the post-deployment period, couples may experience intense feelings, both positive and negative; they may be happy to get back together, but also face difficulties due to personality changes or other issues as they resume daily life. In a new article published in NCA Communication Monographs, Leanne K. Kale Monk uses relational turbulence theory to examine how turbulence affects the affective communication of couples during the period after deployment. To help military couples navigate the challenges of deployment and post-deployment, it is important to understand the unique stressors that come with military life.

It is also important to recognize that communication is key to maintaining a healthy relationship. Couples should make an effort to talk openly about their feelings and needs, as well as take time for themselves when needed. Additionally, couples should take advantage of available resources such as counseling or support groups to help them cope with the unique challenges of military life. Military deployments can be difficult for both partners, but with open communication and understanding, couples can overcome these challenges and strengthen their relationships. By taking advantage of available resources and making an effort to talk openly about their feelings and needs, military couples can navigate the unique stressors of military life and build a strong relationship.