Reservists face different challenges

November 9, 1:50 PMTampa Military Marriage ExaminerSandra Meyer

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United States Army Reserve
http://www.fotosearch.com/OMU120/05p0659/

Military reservists and their families face issues during deployments that may not be understood by those who are regular active duty. While both are offered the many support services of the military, the families of the active duty soldiers may have a stronger network on which to rely. Active duty families are typically housed in an area with other active duty families, many times on a military base. The housing situation usually allows relationships to be formed with other military families, giving an additional source of assistance. 

Reservist families usually do not have contact with other reservist families. Reservists are part time employees, and therefore do not have the time to build the same friendships that active duty soldiers may enjoy. Reservists also may live in a wide range of areas, making it even more unlikely that any of the families know one another. This is normally not an issue that concerns any of the family members of a reserve soldier, however, when a deployment becomes imminent, it is an area in which the spouse can feel a hole. Not having another family to connect with that understands what you are going through can leave the family members that have been left behind feeling even lonelier. One thing that seems to be important during a deployment is finding someone who understands, and that is harder for the family of a reservist than it is for relatives of active duty soldiers.  There are websites that offer support specially tailored to families of the reserves such as Army Reserve Family Programes http://bit.ly/1WK4kT. 

Regardless of the soldier’s status as reservist or active duty, a deployment will take a toll on all that are involved. It is important for all family members to have realistic expectations and to find the support that is needed by reaching out to all available resources. Deployments are hard, but finding the right support can make them tolerable.