National Guard Information

Life for Families of Deployed National Guard
By Kelli Kirwan

Members of the National Guard are being activated and deployed with increased regularity. They serve side-by-side with their active duty counterparts around the world. National Guardsmen across the country are our nation's citizen soldiers. They are patriots who are also known to their communities as mailmen, businessmen, students, and a whole host of other titles. Unlike active duty families, deployment is not a regular part of their lives, so mobilization can be a real challenge for their families.
Knowing what may be expected of families of National Guardsmen will help teachers, co-workers, and others unfamiliar with military life understand what sacrifices these families may be called upon to make.
Types of Deployments The National Guard has a dual mission in that it serves both federal and state governments. Guardsmen can be mobilized by a state governor to assist with local or statewide emergencies, including fires, natural disasters, or civil disturbances. The President of the United States can also call on the National Guard for federal missions. Guardsmen have participated in Bosnia and Kosovo to help stabilize the region, as well as in the Middle East in the war on terrorism.
Frequency and Length of DeploymentsGuardsmen regularly serve one weekend a month and two weeks during the summer until they are called upon or activated to active duty. Deployments vary in length, depending on the mission. Deployments can be up to a year in length, and in some circumstances extended beyond 12 months.
Challenges for the FamilySpending one weekend a month and the annual two-week separation — the normal time commitment for National Guardsmen — is not disruptive. Activation and deployment, however, can throw families into chaos. Families go through an emotional cycle when a parent is deployed. The family has to adjust, and then, just about the time they have the new routine down, the military member returns and they have to adjust all over again.
Financial preparedness is vital to a National Guard family, especially if the military member makes more in his civilian job than he does on active duty. Some families struggle financially when their military member is activated.
Children of all ages are affected when a parent deploys. Parents struggling with their own emotions may have difficulty in dealing with the behavior changes that often occur in their children. Older children who can verbalize their feelings may find talking with a teacher or other trusted adult can help them deal with their fears. Younger children who are unable to express their feelings may become aggressive or more withdrawn.
Staying or Going as a FamilySome National Guard units are able to stay in the local area when activated. If they are activated to support federal missions, they may be deployed for a year or more. They may be located within the continental United States or sent out of the country. If the family chooses to go with their military member and he or she is in a location within the United States, it is at their own expense and they are not eligible for military housing.
Most Guard families stay in their established community, where they have support networks and family. Even so, they often feel isolated from the rest of the community.
Living on a Military InstallationDepending on the orders, Guard families may or may not qualify for military housing. Even moving closer to military installations can bring a great deal of comfort and support services much closer. For families that have never lived in a military community, they can experience culture shock. The Army provides various programs to help educate and support activated families.
Support ServicesArmy Family Team Building (AFTB) is a spouse education program developed by spouses for spouses. It can help a spouse gain a better understanding of the military culture. There is also now a version designed specifically for the National Guard called Guard FAmily Team Building (GFTB).
Operation Ready helps families prepare for deployment, as well as for the return of their military member and reunion.
Army Community Service provides online information that can help isolated families and provide much-needed support.
If the family is close to an Army installation, Community Service Centers also offer support programs such as Family Advocacy , Army Emergency Relief , and GFTB.
Deployment and activation to active duty can throw families into a tailspin. Most, however, are able to recover, adapt, and make successful transitions to active duty and back to their life as citizen soldiers and airmen.