5 Means of Communication During Deployment in a Military Family

Deployment is the last thing any military family can ever wish for, as most military families dread having any of their members deployed. And communication is vital to the growth of any relationship. Good communication can foster love, care, and healthy relationship growth among members of a particular group such as a military family.

However, the need for communication heightens when a family member gets deployed to another entirely different geographical location. Apart from sustaining healthy relationships, communication can also boost both parties’ morale and serve as sources of strength and inspiration. Below are five effective communication channels that you can employ during deployment in a military family.

Phone calls

Phone calls are one of the most effective communication means but might not be the best communication method during deployment. Single reliance on phones might lead to the accumulation of high phone bills and might not always be available. However, you can still opt for phone calls if you’ve enough budget, as you get to experience the soothing effect of hearing your partner and brat’s voices.

Consider comparing the prices of direct phone calls and a phone card to know the best option you can choose. Choosing a prepaid phone call is comfortable and doesn’t require any bill. You can coincide with long-distance carriers for overseas military discounts since many significant phone companies allow values.  But you’ve got to open an account with them before you leave for your deployment’s journey.

Letters

Letters are one of the most easily affordable communication channels that can be employed in deployment and those at home often send them. However, they shouldn’t be singly relied upon as mail service can’t be predictable. Notwithstanding, they prove to be the most satisfying communication means with deployed soldiers. You can write a comprehensive narrative of your daily engagements and how you’ve missed your deployed partner greatly.

And you can also write short, uplifting messages. Another advantage of letters is that your partner can read anytime, anywhere. Your partner can read your notes easily when he/she is lonely. Consider numbering or prioritizing the letters as they might not arrive sequentially. Thus, numbering them will help your partner know the ones he/she is to read first. Ensure to write only informative things in the letters as you won’t want to be the source of depression for your partner; write about your happy moments only.

Emails

In this 21st century, emails are one of the most popular communication channels. They can also be employed during deployment, especially since the deployed service members are mostly in extensive geographical locations. They’re also relatively faster, and they allow the transmission of pictures, giving you the ability to provide pictorial updates for your deployed partner occasionally. However, a deployed service member will need to look for system availability and an email account to communicate effectively.

And when both parties ensure the necessary planning and arrangements, they can create a private chat room to have electronic interactions. In a situation where the at-home partner doesn’t have the needed computer or internet service, he/she can utilize a near military installation or another family readiness agency, offering email accounts. He/she can also use the internet service and free email accounts of a local library. Emails can help you and your deployed partner to maintain your emotional connection and relationship effectively.