It’s no secret that getting the news that your son/daughter will enlist—or worse, has already enlisted—often comes with a heavy mix of emotions. Sure, there’s the pride, but there is also fear, confusion, and even grief running wild in your heart. As your aspiring service member prepares for or begins basic training, it’s not uncommon for these still-competing emotions to turn into an emotional rollercoaster.

It is no news that military duty is demanding. Service members dedicate long hours, undergo strict routines, and spend extended periods away from home. For young enlistees—especially those unused to military life—these demands can be not just physically and mentally draining, but also emotionally draining. It is not uncommon for enlistees during these early periods to become distant from friends and family.

Military life is full of “firsts.” First time away from home. First time living under a strict schedule. First time being truly out of your comfort zone. For many new recruits, especially those fresh out of high school or with strong family ties, homesickness hits hard, and it hits fast.

Military life is filled with pressure and uncertainty, and many young service members often carry that weight silently. Unlike civilian stress, which can stem from work or relationships, military stress is rooted in high-stakes situations like combat, separation from loved ones, and constant adaptation to new roles and environments.

Deployment is a key part of military readiness. Deployments take place to support various missions. The missions can be combat operations, peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and maintaining a military presence in specific world regions. This article looks to help relieve some of the anxiety that may arise when your service member tells you they are being deployed.

When your young service member joins the military, they become part of a structured organization with clear rules and ranks. As a parent, understanding the military's chain of command can help you support them better. But what does that mean? And why is it important? Let's break it down in simple terms.

Making the shift from civilian life to the structured discipline of military life can be quite the transition for a young high-schooler or recent graduate. It is not uncommon for individuals undergoing such a transition to feel some levels of anxiety. Helping to alleviate this anxiety is crucial in ensuring your new service member successfully adapts to their new environment.

Resilience is an essential soft skill for every member of the military. Not only do service members need to be physically resilient to withstand the physical toll of military life, but they must also be mentally and emotionally resilient to handle the stress, anxiety, and challenges that come with serving in the armed forces.

Experiencing communication issues with your service member is a typical occurrence during deployment. During this period, keeping in touch can be challenging due to your service member's demanding schedule, time-zone differences, operational security restrictions, and limited access to communication technology.