Military service is considered to be an honorable profession. The sacrifice that servicemembers make is worthy of the highest level of praise.
However, with that sacrifice comes unintended consequences. Spouses who stay back to take care of children and other family members after multiple deployments also feel the heavy burden of their partners’ service. Lengthy amounts of time away can strain a union to the breaking point where divorce is the only option.
Marital dissolution is significantly higher in military families, with twenty percent of marriages ending in divorce. Various factors and circumstances play a role in the demise of wedded unions. Many see the overall culture in the military as a direct conflict with traditional family values.
Long-term absence
Deployment usually means significant time away from spouses and children ranks at the top. Extended periods separated from spouses and children take a toll. The length of the absence is often uncertain, not to mention the fear of tragedy that results in a spouse serving overseas not coming home.
When military spouses do return home, communication is challenging. Over the course of months and years that they have been away, the dynamic was markedly different. Resuming a civilian life that includes family can present challenges in day-to-day interactions, particularly if post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed.
A lack of stability
Regardless of where they live or if their family comes along with them, long-term residence seems to be the exception, not the rule. On average military couples and their children move up to every three years. That level of stability can crumble the strongest marital foundations.
Critics claim that the military culture is anti-marriage. From constant moves to other problems that include infidelity and an overall lack of social support, life while in service of the United States plays a role in ever-growing divorce rates.