Military service members make sacrifices each day for our freedom and military families constantly make sacrifices, too. As families learn to bravely handle the many challenges that deployments and the military life may bring, others are in awe at just how strong one can be out of nowhere.

Whether you are Active, Guard, Reserve or any of the five branches, there is one thing we can all relate to “Hurry Up and Wait”. Living on the military’s time can be frustrating for families, but we manage to make the best of it and move forward. This month, I asked readers what has been the most frustrating thing the military has left you hanging or waiting for, and what advice or tips can you share on how to live your life on military time?

“For me personally the most frustrating thing or challenge is planning vacations! I’ve had to cancel anniversary trips before because of his job. It also makes you have to wait before purchasing tickets, etc. for the vacation which in the end can be more expensive. Only advice/tip is to go with the flow and when you see the window of opportunity to take a vacation, celebrate an anniversary, whatever….to take action and just do it!”

~Jennifer, U.S. Air Force Spouse

“For the actual deployment date to happen. And don’t go too far from post – never know if, even after saying the farewell, you may get a call that the plane or bus broke down. Has happened twice to us. Rather than going through all the drama again, we decided it was best for all of us if he just slept at the Company and waited the 12 hours there.  And to receive the final orders in hand to PCS.”

~Kim, U.S. Army Spouse

“Of course the most frustrating thing is when you have plans with the kids and because we have been waiting so long for the military to make up its mind, we don’t cancel the plans. Of course this sometimes doesn’t work out and it’s hard to see the kids heartbroken and upset. We try to make it up to them as much as we can, many times it is just best to explain to them why these things happen, they actually have more appreciation for the simple things in life!”

~Susan, U.S. Army Spouse

What has been the most frustrating thing for you? Tell us in the comments below!

For more on Angela Caban, visit her website at www.angelacaban.com.

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