R&R, a Deployment Break

After several months of deployment in a war zone, soldiers quickly need a break. Not just a day off to rest. Rather a few weeks back home with their family and other loved ones. What most people don't realize is that this is a challenging time for soldiers. They have to again adapt to a different environment once again. It takes time as they try their best to enjoy the break given to them. In the beginning it is easier said than done.

Soldiers are grateful for the R and R breaks. In the beginning of this break, it is not as relaxing as one would think. Much adjusting needs to be made from the environment of war back to a peaceful area. The feelings, sounds and environment varies from each area. It takes time to adjust to the average lifestyle once again. Although the soldier may have only been gone for a few months before the break, much in the war zone has greatly effected the soldier.

Everything is different, from the basic lifestyle to the atmosphere around them. Adjustment begins with the different environment. The sounds vary greatly. Instead of hearing sirens, weapons firing, booms and many other sounds, they get to enjoy sounds of calmness and nature. Nature itself offers a beautiful change of environment that every soldier can enjoy.

Soldiers must also adjust to the fact that they do not have enemies seeking out to take them down. It is natural for soldiers to continue to scan terrain and pay close attention to details as it is a part of their training. Although on R and R, they are no longer in the war zone, this training is used so often that it becomes a habit.

One of the hardest things of deployment is the realizing and understanding that although you are gone, everyones life goes on. Although the soldiers life goes on in a war zone, their friends and families life must go on at home without them. Much change occurs in this time as families now have to count on themselves for just about everything. This change is also difficult when the soldiers returns home as it is another way that they have to learn to adapt. They no longer have as much responsibility that may have once been within their family. This can become a very challenging time, especially if the soldier is a parent. They no longer have as much of an active part in their children's lives. Most decisions, rules, punishments, rewards, etc. is now enforced by others in the family.

There are many reasons that each soldier needs a R and R break from deployment. There must be a realization to the loved ones of soldiers that this is also another adaption process. It is not as difficult as being in a war zone but everything at home must also get used to again as much change can occur in only a few months.