The Deployment Cycle

Settle in for a read, this is going to take a while!

Since my husband came home in June from his 3rd deployment, I have often looked back and compared our different experiences. I will never truly know what it's like for him, I have no idea what it's like to leave the country and my family for 7 months. I have no idea how hard it is on him, and I can't even imagine what it would be like. So I won't even try to understand it, I'll always just be there to listen when he needs someone to talk to and vent to.

But looking back on our deployments, while there are similarities, there are more differences than anything. Each deployment has carried its own set of trials and tribulations, its own set of ups and downs. No two deployments are going to go exactly the same, life happens even when your SO is deployed so you have to be prepared for anything. The only thing that remains constant is the cycle of feelings you both go through before, during and after deployment. What I hope to do is enlighten some of you so you can recognize those feelings in your own relationship and be prepared for them.