ABSTRACT

Perhaps more than in any other kind of organization, the interaction between work and family in the military has a pervasive influence on the lifestyle of its members and their families. Unlike most organizations, a military member’s family is highly involved in the culture and organization of the military (Wisecarver, Cracraft, and Heffner, 2006). As well, the unique demands of military service, including operational deployments, the risk of injury or death, frequent separation from the family, and postings, can significantly disrupt family life (Castro et al., 2001). These realities, combined with isolation from traditional sources of support such as extended families, close friends, and stable community relationships (Black, 1993), are associated with personal and interpersonal stress for some military families.