The Dynamics of Military Deployment in the Family System: What Makes A Parent Fit For Duty?

Due to the increasing number of married servicemembers with children, the family court system is seeing more divorce and custody cases involving military parents and children. The media has highlighted cases in which military members have lost custody of their children ostensibly due to extended deployments required by their military employer. In order to avoid penalizing military members for service to their country while acting in the best interests of children, it is essential that the family courts understand and take into account the unique challenges of military families. This article provides an overview of the military family experience and reviews the literature regarding the military deployment cycle, including its impact on parents, children and the family system. Developmental and contextual considerations and recommendations in the determination of custody for military children are discussed.