Caring for Military Families Across the Deployment Cycle

Abstract

Over 2 million service members have been deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn since the Global War on Terror (GWOT) began well over a decade ago. 1 Department of Defense Strengthening Our Military Families—Meeting America’s Commitment. Department of Defense, Washington, DC2011 Google Scholar There are over 3.6 million service members within the total force of the Armed Services. Total force service members include all those currently serving on active duty as well as the reserve components, which consist of service members in the National Guard and Army, Navy, Marine, and Air Force Reserves. Approximately 44% of the total force is married with children. Thus the total military force personnel and their immediate family members encompass greater than 5.3 million individuals within the US population. Although the number and length of deployments have been steadily declining, the number of individuals affected since the GWOT began is substantial. 2 Deputy Under Secretary of Defense 2011 Demographic Report. Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Washington, DC2012 Google Scholar Diane Padden is Associate Professor, Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD. Janice Agazio is Associate Professor and Director of PhD/DNP Programs, School of Nursing, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.