IMPACT OF DEPLOYMENT ON THE MILITARY FAMILY

1
IMPACT OF DEPLOYMENT ON THE MILITARY FAMILY

• CH(MAJ) Kenneth Sorenson
• presented 16AUG07 _at_
• Interagency Luncheon

2
Impact of Deployment on the Military Family

• Increase in domestic violence
• Increase in the divorce rate
• Increase in drug/alcohol problems
• Increase in chapter cases
• Increase in high risk behaviors
• ?

3
Impact of Deployment on the Military Family

• Increase in relational closeness
• Increase in appreciation of spouse
• Increase in spirituality
• Increase in soldiers reenlisting
• Increase in understanding of mortality
• ?

4
Ways to View Impact

• Deployment is the only factor
• Deployment is a key factor
• Deployment is one factor amongst many
• Deployment is an accelerant

5
Deployment is an Accelerant

• Other factors
• Childhood History
• Marital History
• Deployment Factors
• Affairs
• Trauma exposure
• Trauma treatment
• Multi-layered trauma

6
Childhood History

• Childhood abuse
• Parents divorce
• Traumatic experiences
• Grief/loss issues
• Relationship with parents

7
Marital History

• Marital discord
• Blended family
• Multiple deployments
• Affairs

8
Deployment History

• Affairs
• Trauma exposure
• Trauma treatment
• Multi-layered trauma
• Attachment

9
Deployment Cycle

• Impact
• Helpless time
• hopeless
• Acceptance

10
Keys to Caring for Families

• Clarify the real issues
• Allow them to tell their story
• Relationship is key!
• Expose different areas
• Treat what needs treatment
• Examine their history
• Assist with reunion
• Monitor their progress

11
Conclusion

• Questions?