Deployed Soldiers: Family Time Before and After Deployment
Soldiers rarely get leave while they are deployed, unless it is for a family emergency. The majority of deployments last no longer than 9 months, and even fewer can last up to a year. However, soldiers can spend valuable time with their families before and after deployment. In this article, we will explore how soldiers often manage to have quality time with their loved ones despite the challenges of military service.
Understanding Military Leave Policies
It is important to understand that soldiers do not go on leave during deployment. The only type of leave granted during deployment is for emergency leave, which is reserved for urgent situations such as the onset of a severe illness or the death of an immediate family member, spouse, child, parent, sibling, or grandparent (if they were raised by the soldier).
Therefore, it's clear that the majority of military leave is taken before or after deployment. Soldiers can take leave for various reasons, such as weddings, birth of a child, or family reunions, but only if they are not in active deployment. This structured approach is intended to ensure that soldiers can honor their commitments to their families and their service simultaneously.
Quality Time Before and After Deployment
For soldiers, the concept of "leaving for a few days" involves planning and preparation. This can include making travel arrangements, ensuring they are up to date with their military duties, and arranging for someone to cover for them during their absence. The leave period itself often involves a mix of relaxation, family bonding, and sometimes catching up on personal matters that were put on hold during deployment.
Before Deployment: This period might involve preparations for deployment, from shipping supplies to exercising and bonding with family. Soldiers might organize outings and special occasions to enjoy the last full time with their loved ones. They may also spend more time at home, working on personal projects or hobbies to prepare for the next phase of their life.
After Deployment: Post-deployment, soldiers can finally spend extended periods with their families, focusing on rebuilding relationships and ensuring a smooth transition back home. This can include family vacations, casual family activities, and time to adjust to civilian life together.
Communication and Family Relationships
While soldiers are deployed, they can maintain communication with their families. This can include phone calls, video chats, and written updates. Modern technology has made it possible for soldiers to stay connected, which can help maintain the emotional bond with their families during the deployment.
The period between deployment and rejoining their families is a time for reflection, reunion, and new beginnings. Soldiers often report that this period is the most valuable for family time, allowing them to recharge and refocus.
Planning for the Future
Many soldiers plan their family time in advance, both before and after deployment. They might set aside specific times for family outings, annual vacations, or milestones such as a child's birthday. This planning helps to ensure that even during the busiest times of their careers, they do not forget the importance of their families.
Post-deployment, soldiers often reflect on how they can better balance their military service with family life. They might consider new ways to stay involved with their families, such as longer holidays, more regular communication, or even moving closer to their families if possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while deployed soldiers may not have the opportunity for extensive leave, they can plan and take advantage of family time both before and after deployment. Modern military policies and communication technologies help maintain the bond between soldiers and their families, ensuring that service does not come at the cost of family relationships. For soldiers, these moments of family time are invaluable and deeply impactful.