Similar to the Klopfers' experience, Pincus has found soldiers often become emotionally distant. At the same time, they are pulled closer to their units, and that, too, can strain family ties. The gulf within families is made wider by the early notification for a mission like the one to Bosnia, which was announced 14 months ago, Pincus said. It can almost be like a loved one has already deployed. Their family may feel like, 'I wish you would leave.
Couples can expect to have arguments, perhaps big ones.
As deployment nears, Pincus advises spouses to make time for each other and the children. He recommends against making long lists of things to be done before deployment. And don't worry about trying to make the holidays perfect, he advised. They will just have to go with the flow. The Gazette Kim Hood has dealt with separations like the Bosnia mission before.