There are important implications that can be learned from this research. First, children have problems that start prior to deployment and last past deployment. Grades went down for every 3 of 10 children. While external support and social services may decrease due to funding cut backs, the interdependence and pressure on family members to heip others may increase. Deployment has become a way of life for both active and reserve forces.
All children go through their own problems and their own stresses which demand our attention.
It is necessary to be aware of what they experience and how it effects their world. Only through our awareness can we adequately care for our children. Like many of life's other adventures, retiring from the Army is a family affair. Since the family served as a unit on active duty and will serve as a unit in retirement, it is only logical that the family plan retirement together. Pre-retirement briefings and orientations are not solely for the soldier.