I have been a military spouse for over 18 years and a military brat for longer than that, barely. As I look at the current pace of op tempo, troop draw down and the slow down in recruitment, I wonder if we are closer to being the pre-9/11 military. Could it be possible Hubby will be home to see more than half a school year, have no worries of missing a high school graduation and for us to actually live in the same country for more than 6 to 8 months a year? It is a good feeling, but also a tad bit disturbing.
I have always loved the military life. No lie. I did, and do. As a family we are looking at the possibility of not being a military family any longer. And it is not due to anything my husband or I have done. We are not ready for retirement and had planned on spending a few more years being an Army family. Now it is clear we may not be one. I will be able to say we are a family, just minus the military part.
This is a life we have chosen together because of our hearts and desire to serve our country, and the people of our country. This is a calling that is no different than being a doctor, lawyer or teacher. It is a call to serve. Nothing more, and nothing less. And to have the possibility of that being taken away is not only unreal, but daunting. Questions begin to arise.
Questions like: Where will we go? What will we do? Do we buy a house here or wait? Will family want us closer? Do we want to be closer to family?
As each day goes by, I ponder these questions. It is a fifty-fifty chance we will be in the Army still, or not? How can this thought not be in the forefront of our minds when I look at my kiddos and other families who are facing the same thing? All I do know is that we will soldier on as we always do, and we'll enjoy every minute together as a family.
