Airmen from the 22d Air Refueling Wing hold up a vision board they made during the Wingman Guardian Connect class Oct. 22, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, KS.
Airmen from the 22d Air Refueling Wing hold up a vision board they made during the Wingman Guardian Connect class Oct. 22, 2024, at McConnell Air Force Base, KS. The Wingman Guardian Connect program aims to help with communication and support for Airmen and Guardians who face issues such as loneliness, stressors, and lack of community. USAF photo by SrA William Lunn

A Million Miles Away: Isolation, Loneliness, and Safety Impacts

By Mr. Ryan Meeks, 62d Airlift Wing Occupational Safety Section

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) exists in a high-stakes environment where speed, accuracy, teamwork, and situational awareness are essential to mission success. Operating in austere environments where seconds matter and mistakes can result in death, there is no room for error or inattention. Of the challenges and dangers that the modern Airman faces, two are well hidden and detrimental to the health and welfare of USAF: isolation and loneliness. Isolation and loneliness often go undetected until it is too late.

Understanding Isolation and Loneliness

As the philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre famously said, “If you are lonely when you are alone, you are in bad company.”[1] This underscores that loneliness is not simply about physical distance; a person can feel alone even when surrounded by others, highlighting that loneliness and isolation are not only about the absence of others but about how we relate to ourselves. As leaders in the Air Force, we must recognize the impact this inner connection can have on our fighting force.

Loneliness and isolation are different from solitude. At some point, each of us has wanted time alone to reflect on the day or recent events, to sort out our feelings, or to dampen various distractions and relax. Solitude (a state of voluntary aloneness)[2] is completely normal and cathartic in many ways. Loneliness (an unmet need for social connection),[3] however, can impact a person’s psyche and, thereby, mission performance dramatically if not properly addressed. Studies have shown that loneliness and isolation (a lack of social contact)[4] negatively affect cognitive functions such as decision-making, vigilance, and risk assessments, which can lead to circumstances where these vulnerabilities become liabilities. Elevated stress levels, depression, and anxiety greatly impair job performance and become safety issues that are often dramatic.

Deployments to combat zones or remote bases amplify the risk of loneliness and isolation. When deployed, personnel are separated from loved ones, familiar surroundings, and resolutions that typically work. In misguided attempts to combat such feelings of helplessness or loneliness, risky behaviors and substance abuse become commonplace—especially among junior enlisted and newly assigned personnel, who are especially vulnerable to this type of behavior as they lack the skills and experience to deal with this type of emotional challenge. Airmen who fall into this cycle become disenfranchised and disconnected from their unit, putting themselves and others at high risk of costly, even fatal, mistakes.

Using Technology as a Force Multiplier

The modern Airman grew up with technology and social media. Although these tools can be problematic, they can also be powerful outlets for those who feel isolated. Social media can be a great way for Airmen to share with loved ones what they are seeing, feeling, and experiencing (provided posts comply with the guidelines of the Department of War and other applicable entities). Secure video calls and instant messaging features allow instantaneous connections when needed most. Many social media platforms also have mental health outlets as a private and impartial ear to vent to. By contrast, military members of the past relied on postal letters that sometimes took weeks to arrive and provided one-way communication—a painful situation, especially for those who needed immediate connection.

Technology also has its limitations; in-person interactions are impossible. It is important that command teams interact with their Airmen, providing opportunities for unit functions and building camaraderie within the ranks. When digital outlets are not available, systems of support must be available (e.g., a handshake, hug, or the sound of human laughter).

Mitigating Risk

The key to mitigating loneliness and isolation is exclusively a leadership function. It is a simple lesson taught to all leaders—officers and non-commissioned officers alike—know your people. Taking an active interest in who an Airman is, what their concerns are, and what their family dynamic looks like helps determine what their challenges might be. People often want to discuss their problems, but are not always sure whom they can trust. Leaders must take a proactive approach that includes the following:

  • Building unit cohesion through team activities.
  • Encouraging support systems such as mental health and peer groups.
  • Using technology to communicate with family and friends.
  • Promoting balance in life strategies.
  • Engaging in one-on-one dialog.
  • Supporting family readiness and involvement.

Conclusion

Acknowledging and addressing the complex environment of loneliness and isolation in the Air Force is vital to mission success. Left unchecked, these emotional states can impair judgment, reduce resiliency, and greatly increase accident and safety risks. Command and leadership teams must leverage tools and implement programs that actively engage individuals at risk. Above all, ensuring Airmen feel supported and connected is the primary ingredient in making a resilient and effective global strike force.

[1] Sartre, J.-P. (1943). “Being and Nothingness.” Gallimard.

[2] Campaign to End Loneliness. n.d. “Facts and Statistics About Loneliness.” Sheffield Hallam University. https://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/facts-and-statistics/.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.