Written by Angela Caban,

Multiple deployments are causing stress on service members, spouses, families and relationships. According to a recent study conducted by the American Journal for Public Health, soldiers with multiple deployments are more than 3 times as likely as soldiers with no previous deployments to screen positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression (AJPH). Military families that are enduring multiple deployments are not forgotten, they are also facing severe emotional distress as well as depression. And with the current size of our military and the war in its tenth year, multiple deployments have become a norm within the military lifestyle.

Samantha Tenet, an Army National Guard spouse is currently preparing for her husband’s 4^th deployment in 8 years. “This doesn’t get easier with time, most people look at you and think you are a deployment pro, and trust me having your husband gone for 15-18 months is not fun Sometimes I wish we were a Air Force or Marine family so that deployments were shorter, I envy those families sometimes”. Fifteen to eighteen months is the norm for the Army as to where other branches deploy anywhere from 6 to 12 months. Deployment lengths are stretching our service members thin, and families left behind are struggling to keep their families intact.

“I miss having my family together, but we know this is something that must be done. All I can do is stay on the homefront and manage my family as best I can”. Samantha has three small children that range from ages 2 to 6, so there is no doubt that she is pulling together for her family. So when asked how she copes with multiple deployments she answered, “A key to surviving multiple deployments is to make sure when your service member is home you seek counseling as a family. The war doesn’t end when your soldier gets home, there are many times it continues and the spouse is mentally and physically drained.”

Because of these multiple deployments, many military families are starting to leave the military and trading it in for the civilian life. This transition may have a negative effect on many, but for this Army National Guard family, “four deployments is enough sacrifice in this war. We are ready to hang up our dog tags”.

If you and your service member need help, be sure to visit Military OneSource. This is a free support service that is provided by the Department of Defense to service members and their families. A 24 hour/365 days a year toll free number is also available: 1-800-342-9647.

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

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