Revisiting the courage to be to understand transition from a military life
This article, drawn from a comprehensive empirical study, offers a theological reflection on the transition from military to civilian life. The author revisits Tillich’s classical existential theology in an attempt to understand the transition as an existential threat to the participants in the study. The transition can be understood as a temporary state of non-being in life where identity, purpose, meaning, community, and belonging are at least initially lost, and this loss has implications for the spiritual and moral life of a service member amid transition. A call to friendship is proposed in order to assist a full transition to civilian life. The author suggests that theological interpretations of the process can contribute alternate voices and enrich the language repertoire and understandings of transition in secularised and pluralised contexts. Additionally, that it is beneficial to cultivate a more fruitful interdisciplinary relationship between the humanities (theology and the social sciences).
Abstract: The unique demands of military life can adversely impact romantic relationships; however, research has mainly focused on these adverse outcomes at one-time point, overlooking changes over time or potential positive outcomes. Using a subsample of 3,845 male and female military personnel and veterans from a large UK dataset, this study examined positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction between two-time points (2007–2009; 2014–2016). Most participants reported no change in their relationship satisfaction, suggesting stability − 8% reported a positive change and 10% a negative change. Positive change was associated with being in a long-term relationship, alcohol misuse remission, and persistent alcohol misuse. Negative change was associated with the onset of mental health problems (probable PTSD, CMD, or alcohol misuse) and having children under 18. Some factors, like increasing age, childhood family relationship adversity, and mental health problems, were associated with both positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction. This study highlights the complexity of factors associated with relationship satisfaction among military personnel and veterans, with some experiencing positive changes, as well as negative changes over time.