"Suddenly Military" Families: They're in Your Backyard

Theresa M. Ferrari, Extension Specialist
May 2006

"Suddenly military" is the term used to describe youth in families of the National Guard and Reserve. Up until the point of their parents' deployment, these youth do not define themselves as living in a military family. Their parent has a civilian job and their commitment to the military consists of one drill weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. The situation created by a deployment places unique stress on the youth and their families.
National Guard and Reserve service members live throughout Ohio – they’re in our backyard. Some counties have a higher concentration of families, while others have only one. Because these families are spread throughout the state, they do not have the support systems that are available typically available to active duty military families who live on or near military installations.
Families experiencing deployment of a service member face a variety of issues that impact youth. These issues include:

There is fear of the unknown and concern for the safety of the deployed parent.
Parent is absent for significant events, as well as every day matters, resulting in less parental involvement.
Youth assume more household responsibilities.
Lack of educators' awareness of and sensitivity regarding deployment and needs of children of deployed service members.
Children may be placed in day care so the remaining parent can work outside the home.
There may be a constant “shuffle” between relatives and child care providers.
Geographically dispersed families are not near family and youth programs.
Lack of connection with other youth with deployed parents results in feelings of isolation.
The family may experience a change in financial resources.