Practical guidelines to ameliorate the effects of internal and external deployments on the marriages of soldiers

Velile E Mtshayisa,Rantoa Letsosa

doi:10.4102/hts.v75i4.5641

Abstract

This article critically looks at the challenges that are incumbent in the deployment of married soldiers who work for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The SANDF previously deployed soldiers outside the borders of South Africa for a period of 6 months or less. But currently, the SANDF has a deployment period of 12 months. This period is twice that of the earlier period, which means that soldiers and their families have to spend 12 months apart from one another. This has an adverse effect on the marriages of soldiers and makes the SANDF appear as an uncaring institute because its military operations tend to impact family lives. Using a qualitative research approach, this article explores the emic experiences of married soldiers who were deployed, and concludes by suggesting some pastoral guidelines that may prove useful for a multi-professional team handling the issues of deployment.

Highlights

The Government of South Africa requested the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in 1994 to take part in peacekeeping missions in Africa under the auspices of the United Nations to secure stability in war-torn African countries (Nibishaka 2011:3)
2LT (M), said that certain male soldiers were involved in extramarital affairs with colleagues and the women of the local population, while others used their power to force themselves onto the vulnerable women of the local population
The aim of this research was to critically look at the challenges that are incumbent in the deployment of married soldiers who work for the SANDF

Summary

Introduction

The Government of South Africa requested the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in 1994 to take part in peacekeeping missions in Africa under the auspices of the United Nations to secure stability in war-torn African countries (Nibishaka 2011:3). Savych (2008) declares that deployment imposes a significant emotional burden on family members. As this burden is out of the family’s control, it increases the stress levels in the household. Matjeke (2017:3) mentions that the SANDF previously deployed soldiers outside the borders of South Africa for a period of 6 months or less. The deployment period is 12 months, with a possible 2 weeks of leave in between. This period is twice that of the earlier period, which means that soldiers and their families have to spend 12 months apart from one another. Many soldiers have come to experience the SANDF as unaware of or unconcerned about the impact of military operations on the soldiers and their families (Van Breda 2002:7)

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