Romantic relationships/marriages

• Increased stress and conflict: Extended deployments can put a lot of stress on romantic relationships and marriages. The military member may be dealing with the stress of being deployed, while the spouse may be dealing with the stress of being at home alone. This can lead to increased conflict and arguments.
• Communication problems: Extended deployments can also lead to communication problems. The military member may not be able to communicate regularly with their spouse, and this can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Trust issues: Extended deployments can also lead to trust issues. The spouse may worry that the military member is cheating on them, and this can damage the relationship.
• Increased risk of divorce: Studies have shown that extended deployments are a risk factor for divorce. In one study, the divorce rate for military couples who had experienced a deployment was 2.3 times higher than the divorce rate for military couples who had not experienced a deployment.

Relationships with minor children

• Increased separation anxiety: Extended deployments can lead to increased separation anxiety in children. Children may worry about their parent’s safety, and they may have difficulty adjusting to their parent’s absence.
• Behavioral problems: Extended deployments can also lead to behavioral problems in children. Children may act out, become withdrawn, or have difficulty sleeping.
• Academic problems: Extended deployments can also lead to academic problems in children. Children may miss school, fall behind in their studies, or have difficulty concentrating.
• Increased risk of child abuse: Studies have shown that extended deployments are a risk factor for child abuse. In one study, the rate of child abuse was 1.5 times higher for military families who had experienced a deployment than for military families who had not experienced a deployment.

Personal examples

My own father was deployed to Iraq for a year when I was 10 years old. During that time, I experienced a lot of the challenges that I have mentioned above. I felt very anxious and worried about my father’s safety, and I had difficulty adjusting to his absence. I also started acting out at school and having trouble sleeping.

However, my parents were able to communicate regularly during my father’s deployment, and they made sure to stay connected with me. They also made sure to give me plenty of opportunities to talk about my feelings, and they were very supportive of me.

As a result, I was able to cope with my father’s deployment and maintain a strong relationship with him. However, I know that not all military families are as fortunate, and I can see how extended deployments can have a devastating impact on some families.

Research literature

There is a growing body of research on the effects of extended deployments on military families. This research has shown that extended deployments can have a significant impact on romantic relationships, marriages, and relationships with children.

For example, one study found that military couples who had experienced a deployment were more likely to report marital conflict, decreased intimacy, and increased stress. Another study found that children of deployed military parents were more likely to experience separation anxiety, behavioral problems, and academic problems.

These findings suggest that extended deployments can have a number of negative consequences for military families. However, it is important to note that not all military families are affected in the same way. Some families are able to cope with extended deployments more effectively than others.

If you are a military family that is facing the challenges of an extended deployment, there are a number of resources available to help you. You can find information and support from organizations like the National Military Family Association and the Department of Defense. You can also talk to your chaplain, military family life counselor, or other mental health professional.

It is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many other military families who are going through the same thing. With support and resources, you can get through this difficult time.