Can Soldiers Bring Their Families on Overseas Deployments?

Military life is rarely easy, especially when it involves being stationed overseas. Many service members dream of having their families by their side during deployments, but the reality can be much different. In this article, we explore the possibility of bringing families on overseas tours, the differences between deployments and PCS assignments, and the challenges and benefits involved.

The Reality of Separation

Soldiers have the option to bring their families abroad during deployments, but it is far from a universal privilege. Torres, a retired military officer with 27 years of active duty, has firsthand experience with the challenges of separation. He was deployed to Vietnam during his service, but his family remained at home. He emphasized that only senior staff NCOs and officers are often granted this privilege, and even then it can be difficult to secure.

Family Accompaniment Policies

In the Navy, the Torres family had the unique experience of going overseas twice, once to Guam and once to Japan, while his father served. However, four times his father deployed to combat zones, and family members could not go along. This raises important questions about the need for military families to be present during deployments.

Why Not Bring Families?

Soldiers often wonder why their families can't accompany them on high-risk missions. Torres argues that it would be "insane" to bring families to war zones, arguing that such environments are highly dangerous. He emphasizes that warship, deserts, and islands with tens of thousands of enemy soldiers pose significant risks, and even parachute jumps behind enemy lines would be too perilous for family members.

High Frequency of Married Companions

Interestingly, 70% of military women are married to other military personnel. This statistic suggests that many soldiers are in relationships with fellow service members. Torres notes that, although "ugly girls join to find a husband," the reality is that many are deployed in the same units, increasing the chances of serving together.

Life Insurance and Support

A poignant example of the support provided to military families comes from a tragic event. In 2003, during the Iraq War, the widow of a soldier received a $500,000 life insurance settlement, tax-free. This shows the tangible benefits that can come with military service, even in the face of loss.

Differences Between Deployments and PCS Assignments

Not all overseas tours are the same. Torres explains that there is a crucial difference between deployment and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) assignments. A deployment is a short-term movement, often into a combat zone or a location where exposure to hostile fire is likely. Dependents are not allowed in these zones. On the other hand, a PCS assignment involves a single soldier moving to a foreign base or unit on a longer-term basis, where family members may accompany.

The Role of Government Recognition

Some countries have policies that allow military members to bring their families. For these arrangements to be recognized, the government must acknowledge that the family members are deployed alongside the servicemember or join shortly after. This recognition is crucial for ensuring the safety and support of military families during challenging times.

In conclusion, while the option to bring families on overseas deployments is not universal, it is a significant aspect of military life that soldiers and their families often ponder. Understanding the differences between deployments and PCS assignments and the support structures in place can help mitigate the challenges of separation during times of need.