How do marriages and relationships survive the military?

Communication, Communication, Communication. I have been married 7 years with two deployments under my belt. I let her know ASAP when I have to go for training/deployments. We make sure all paperwork, child care, and finances are in order before I go. You also need to try to get a strong support system of family and friends, especially if you have children, who can help in times of need. Lastly, you have to trust your significant other and they have to trust you.

Don't let "the military" threaten their survival.

"If it isn't making you happy, and it isn't making you money, don't do it."

Ain't none of us getting rich being here. The Marines were good to me. I found my wife in the Marines. If I had it all to do over again, I wouldn't change a thing. But when I was asked to choose Career or Family... It wasn't a choice.

This is something we do for a whole host of reasons... but Family should ALWAYS be your #1 star player. If the military starts sliding into that number one slot...

It takes commitment, communications, understanding, patience, and most of all a great sense of humor.