Deployments and Families: Understanding the Realities of Service Member Overseas Assignments

In the curious world of military life, a common misconception is that spouses of service members follow them on overseas deployments. However, the truth is quite different, and it's essential to understand the realities and constraints.

Deployment vs. Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

The answer to the question, 'Do spouses of service members get deployed with them when they go overseas?' is straightforward but often misunderstood. For a standard deployment, the answer is a resounding no. Deployments are temporary assignments with a limited duration, typically involving conflicts or disasters. Families are not brought along because of the harsh conditions and the nature of the assignment.

On the other hand, a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) provides a different scenario. If the assignment involves a tour of duty of 2 years or more, families may indeed accompany the service member. This move is more like relocating to a new base or duty station.

The Reality of Deployments

Deployments, be they for conflict or disaster relief, are far from the glamorous and safe endeavors we often imagine. Picture this: troops living in conditions that are often primitive and challenging. These are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination.

Living Conditions: Troops may sleep in tents with up to 20 other people, without a shower in three days. Privacy is just a blanket hanging from the ceiling. Basic Amenities: No air conditioning, no running water, no toilets—just piss tubes, portapotties, and latrines. Entertainment and Communication: Entertainment is minimal, with one or two channels of TV, if available at all. Convenience: No roads, no Walmart, no Amazon, no schools, and no cell phone network. Power Supply: Electricity from noisy generators, no reliable power. Military Transportation: Ground transportation requires hardened vehicles, possibly with crew-served weapons, which necessitates a crew of at least two people.

In such conditions, a spouse would be bored shitless within three hours, while the service member is engrossed in dangerous missions. Missions can last multiple days, with the apprehension of not returning. These conditions are far from ideal for a civilian to handle, which is why they are not brought along.

Legal and Diplomatic Protections

Add to the physical challenges the lack of legal and diplomatic protections for spouses during deployments. Service members are covered under Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA), which means their family members would not be covered. This lack of protection means that if a family member runs afoul of the law, the legal system can hold them accountable without any intervention from the U.S. government.

Units deploy as whole groups, not individuals. Planes in and out are filled with troops in uniform, and the comforts of flying are minimal. Meals are box lunches and canteen water, and the primary goal is to get to and from the mission area at the cheapest cost possible.

In conclusion, deployments are not about vacations or leisure. They are intense and dangerous missions that require the full commitment and focus of the service members. Families are not welcome on these assignments, and it's crucial to respect and understand this reality.