How To Survive A Deployment

The Military life is never an easy one, and being a military wife can be quite a challenge. My husband has been in the army for 4 years and we have had our ups and downs. The challenges that you are faced with can make you or break you. Whether your husband is nearing a deployment, or you are already dealing with a deployment, there are many things you can do to help it go by and survive. The army finally cut down deployments to 9 months, but now they do not get R & R in between. This can make it harder to go nine straight months without seeing your significant other. I previously dealt with a 12 month deployment and that was tough. I am gearing up for a deployment soon again, and these tips have always helped me get through them.

1. Keep busy: This is probably the most important thing. You will suffer the entire time if you sit at home counting the clock and not doing anything. Be active, and meet people. The busier you are, the faster time will go by.

2. Make Friends: Make friends with other military wives that are dealing with deployment too. Even if their husband is not deployed, they have probably dealt with at some point. Military friends can really understand how you feel, unlike old friends back home.

3. Join a Military Wife Forum: This one really helped me when I went through a deployment. There are a lot of forums out there made for military wives to talk and vent about the military and help get you through deployments. They are free and you can make life long friends.

4. Write Letters: Writer letters to your Significant Other. Write to them about your day, and how much you miss them. Not only will this help you mentally, but it will make him feel good too!

5. Make Care Packages: Use your free time to make care packages for your significant other. Its fun and you can be real creative. This definitely keeps you occupied. The guys love getting these, and its fun for you to surprise them too.

I hope this helps you get past these hard days! Whether you are newlyweds, longtime partners, or have kids these all really help the days go by. It doesn't matter if you are Army, Marines, Navy, or Airforce. We all need help during these times.