What to Expect Before Deployment
For anyone who has ever gone through a deployment, you probably have a set routine or list of things to expect. Many couples start to bicker more about little things that don't really matter. Some just start overwhelming themselves with chores and things to do that matter more than their spouse. Others try to spend as much time together as possible before the deployment. Whatever your style is, recognize that all of these strategies are normal and that every family should recognize and accept their own strategy.
Accept Your Husband's Enthusiasm to Deploy
Servicemembers train to deploy. That is their job. Training an entire lifetime and never getting to deploy is actually a nightmare for many, and not a perk of the job like many wives would think. It isn't uncommon for a servicememner to be excited to deploy. Don't be offended by this. It is important that your spouse leave happy and ready to do his job. If he isn't focused, not only will he have a bad deployment, but morale can plummet within the unit. If your spouse's job is in combat, they need to be focused, need to be excited, and cannot afford to have an angry family back home. Your enthusiasm is just as important as his enthusiasm for the unit.
Acknowledging Your Own Feelings Before Deployment
It is ok to be mad, just make sure you're being productive with your feelings and find positive outlets for those feelings. There are many resources to deal with your emotions. You can talk to other wives who have been there before, you can talk to your FRG leadership, or your Ombudsman. There are also great counseling resources on base or out in town in any military community that are aware of the stressors of being a military wife.
