Investigating Family Adaptation to Army Life: Exploratory Site Visit Findings

Abstract

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What We Know About Army Families

“…62 Housing and health services contribute substantially to the military benefits package, although housing does not have the "halo" that is accorded to medical care. While Army family housing and troop housing is moderately correlated with career intention among enlisted personnel, housing is not a significant predictor of overall satisfaction for officers.…”

“…One such stressor is work unpredictability. 1 'I 2 ' 62 ',6 As soldiers progress in rank and assume more responsibilities, their hours of work become longer and less predictable; family plans often must be changed. Families whose members are assigned to "field" ,nits are particularly vulnerable.…”

Family Adjustment to Relocation

“…In addition, relocation can be very stressful and disruptive to family life (Ammons et al, 1982;Janofsky, 1989;Teitelbaum, 1990). Soldiers and spouses have experienced many hardships associated with relocation, including financial and emotional difficulties (Styles et al, 1988). Family members can no longer be considered passive recipients of the benefits and stresses associated with the military lifestyle (Orthner, 1990).…”

“…Army soldiers and spouses lose money every time they PCS due to weight allowances, replacement costs of household items, and loss of home equity through selling costs (Styles et al, 1988). Routine moving expenses and losses from sales of homes were also cited by Air Force wives as serious relocation-related problems (Warner, 1983).…”

“…Many military and civilian personnel view relocation as a challenging and exciting event. Relocation may provide families with the opportunity to meet new people and to discover new cultures (Styles, Janofsky, Blankinship, & Bishop, 1988). In one research project, researchers noted that many Air Force families were generally satisfied with their PCS experiences (Orthner, Bowen, Brown, Orthner & Manclni, 1980).…”