What Services Are Available to Army Wives of Deployed Soldiers?

• The tempo of military deployment requires an effective support network for the families of those serving overseas. military helicopter image by BlueMiniu from Fotolia.com

  The period of military deployment is a time of stress and apprehension for service members and families alike. For family members in particular, the management of household responsibilities combined with long stretches of time separated from loved ones creates the potential for problematic circumstances. In response to the dangers associated with deployment, several organizations, both private and military, have created programs to support the spouses who operate on the home front.

Operation Mom

• The California-based national charitable organization began operations in 2001. This family support service provides assistance in the form of care packages for deployed service members, information on local resources for family members and a scholarship program for dependents of military personnel. The organization is also a recipient of the prestigious Jefferson Awards for Public Service.

National Military Family Association

• The National Military Family Association was created in 1969 by a group of military wives to provide support for family members of personnel involved in the conflicts of that era. In addition to engaging in advocacy for family members through congressional testimony and legislative activity, the national organization provides resource information on spouse employment, moving and relocation services and personal financial management.

Army Community Service

• The Army's family service organization operates a wide variety of programs designed to ease the strain created by the military deployment cycle. In recognition of the issues surrounding the high tempo of deployment faced by army personnel, the military created the post-Persian Gulf War support program Operation R.E.A.D.Y. The program is designed to provide information in the form of handbooks and guides, web-based information and links to resources for the family members of the deployed.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts

• This program is designed to provide education, career and training resources for spouses of military service members. MyCAA provides financial assistance for education and training program enrollment and coverage for credentialing and licensing fees. In addition to services for family members, MyCAA provides the opportunity for accredited schools and training organizations to assist in its service to military families and join its network.