There are certainly military couples who have a strong relationship and stay married, even though one spouse is employed by the Armed Forces. However, there is also some evidence that military families have relatively high divorce rates and that being in the military could be a contributing factor.
It’s important for couples to understand what red flags to look for, so here are two reasons why a military career may increase the odds of divorce.
Potential issues after a deployment
In some cases, soldiers who are deployed return with physical injuries or disabilities. They may also suffer from mental and emotional issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This can significantly strain the marital relationship. It’s a major change from what that relationship looked like before military service when the couple first decided to tie the knot. Additionally, the spouse who stays home may feel that they have to shift into the role of a caregiver rather than a romantic partner.
Extensive time apart
A military career often requires couples to spend a lot of time apart. Even when someone is still in the United States, they may have to move between different bases or military institutions for training. If they get deployed, they could end up spending months overseas.
Time apart often strains romantic relationships. For instance, it has even been found that having a long commute makes it more likely that a couple will get divorced. The military lifestyle can simply be hard on a relationship.
The legal divorce process
Divorce can be a bit more complex for those in the military, and it’s important for them to understand exactly what legal steps to take during this process.
