ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with the demographics of military couples in the United States, including what is known about their intimate and family relationships. It examines the strengths and challenges of the military lifestyle for couples and families. Although the military lifestyle has some inherent challenges, military families also enjoy numerous military-related benefits. The military traditionally provides job security, a source of resilience during a time of economic hardship in the United States. Service members can experience an array of mental health problems after deployment, such as depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and alcohol problems. Depression is the second most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder among Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Committing time and resources to learning about military culture is imperative to providing culturally relevant services. Clinicians can further their learning via numerous opportunities, including continuing education, connecting with military organizations in their communities, and reading books written for and about military families.
