What can the military do to strengthen families that are stressed due to deployments?

Been there, almost divorced over issues stemming from the deployment. Know others that are divorced because of it. What could the military do to lessen the blow of being apart for its' married members?|||There are tons of programs out there, but not everyone takes advantage of them. The military can only tell you what is available, they can't force folks to go.





There are pre deployment briefings, post deployment, reunion/reintegretion classes. Pre and post marriage retreats. Give Parents a Break (free child care), monthly dinners, monthly activities, support groups. Free counceling - Chapel, family life councelors, mental heaalth, military one source. The Navy has Ombudsmen, AF has Key Spouses, Army has FRG. There are briefings for the deployed folk while they are gone. They have access to chaplains and mental health providers down range. Morale calls, video phone calls,, internet tents with webcams for skyping. The list is endless. But it is up to the person to be proactive and go!





Yes, deployments are hard and stressful. But both partners have to do the work, keep communication lines open, and seek out appropriate support when needed (and sometimes before you realize you need it).





I have been there, done that, got too many tshirts! And I serve as a Key Spouse and Mentor. Trust me...the supprt systems have gone from practically nothing to being overwhelming. And we are reaching a point where there is not much left that we can do.|||Military One Source has a great website that offers several counseling options. They aren't used for long term problems, but can refer you to the right place if need be. I've used them and they have trained professionals that know their stuff. Also, they have a TON of articles on various topics that are very helpful.|||At the beggining of ww2 Thousands of British wifes waved goodbye to their soldier Husband and didn't see them again until the war was over. My father was sent to france in 1939, and after the retreat from Dunkirk, he was given 7 days leave before he was sent to north africa.We never saw him again until October 1945. There was no help or counselling for the wives left at home. Women hd a stronger spirit then. Today if the soldier husband is away for 6 months, there is an outcry.|||Provide support, such as





http://fhp.osd.mil/deploymentTips.jsp


http://www.militaryfamily.org/


http://www.usdamilitaryfamilies.org/html鈥?/a>|||Mission comes first then family as you well know, so find a good church in a military town that has small/cell groups and find onethat deals with military spouces, you will find help there!!!