What happens in the field doesn't stay in the field. An experienced Army spouse once told me that what happens in the field is a pretty good prediction of how a deployment will go for both soldiers and their families.
I learned this first hand.
Within hours of our unit going out, our Family Readiness Group (FRG) lleaders were flooded with phone calls. “I’ve heard we are having a family day in the field. Is that true?” says one spouse. “What do you mean my husband can’t be home from my doctor’s appointment?” exclaims another.
Lips twitches, leg spasms and bulging eyes were key signs that these spouses would transform from perfectly normal women to out of control maniacs.
Flashbacks from elementary school came to mind, like when the school board decided to take away spring break to make up for snow days. Absolute chaos. Here are a few points I've learned about handling the field since my husband joined the army.
1. Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. The military rumor mill is a devilish device used to get your hopes up and then knock them down. When a fact about the schedule is true it’s usually announced at an FRG meeting.
2. Get a hobby or a job. Not to be blunt here but spouses need to not only fill their time, but find something they are passionate about. Passion kills boredom which kills petty rumors and chaos.
3. The military will send your beloved spouse home when they are done training. These soldiers are preparing for the most intense experiences of their lives. This training is not meant to torture the spouse. It helps the soldier better so that they can return home safely.
4. Put your big girl/boy pants on. Sometimes your spouse will be gone when your best friend’s spouse is at home. Life is hard and unfair.
Most of all we have to realize that everything is what we make of it. Sometimes, a little perspective is what it takes to keep your mind in the right place. I keep reminding myself that everything could be worse and a lot of that depends on my attitude and approach toward everything.
Samantha Brinton is an Army wife who has been stationed overseas in Germany, Samantha spends her time volunteering, working, knocking out her European bucket list and freelancing as a photojournalist.
Keep Up with the Ins and Outs of Military Life
For the latest military news and tips on military family benefits and more, subscribe to Military.com and have the information you need delivered directly to your inbox.
