Internal and External Adaptation in Army Families: Lessons From Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

Survey data were used to examine post-deployment coping on internal (e.g., communication, marital quality, child rearing) and external (families response to work-life interference and willingness to make accommodations for these demands) outcome of Army families reunited after a member's deployment for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm (ODS/S). In addition, this study examined whether and how family support services influenced families’ adaptation outcomes. Results indicated families’ experiences with support services and unit-level support influenced their ability to cope adaptively with deployment and post-deployment military demands.