Conclusion

Serving in the RCMP or the CAF has significant impacts on Veterans, their spouses and other family. In effect, the whole family serves.

Adjusting to and reintegrating into family life after long absences because of deployments or assignments can be hard on the Veteran and on the spouse and family. The ever-present danger, the value of service being first and everything else second, stoicism, and the culture of not talking about emotions and traumatic events can all lead to relationship stress, loss and grief. Change is inevitable because of these stressors, and each service family responds differently to change, loss and grief.

Although there are tensions in all relationships, some couples and their families seem to withstand the upheavals of service life. For many, the unique challenges of military and RCMP life can make for a bumpy ride.

A combination of support from families, friends, the community, and peer support can be helpful to couples and families transitioning out of service. If the Veteran, spouse, or family is struggling, seek counselling from someone who is trained and experienced in working with loss and grief.