Family Implications Of The World War I And II, Korea, And Vietnam

The entry of the United States into the Second World War dramatically altered the traditional role of the family in American society. First and foremost, the economic conditions, which were dramatically improving because of the war, became suitable for a large number of couples to get married. But the war also changed the interaction between members of the family and traditional parental roles. Housing shortages led to discrimination against some families, juvenile delinquency rose, but the increase in economic resources led to improved health and increased savings. Overall the war affect on the American family was both positive and negative and altered it ways that were unforeseen.

To summarize (Kaplow, Layne, Saltztman, Cozza & Pynoos, 2013, p. 322-340) this article looks at how grief through exposure to loss due to combat fights, loss of fellow unit members, or the loss of a service member can affect a service member or military family during deployment and reintegration phases. The article goes on to discuss some of the stresses that can increase due to deployments such as martial conflicts, abuse or neglect, and mental health problems stemming from both spouses or children. More military children function equally as well as their civilian counterparts, except during times of deployment where they experience more emotional and behavioral problems. The article looks at three key areas Separation distress characterized as missing the deceased. Existential/Identity Distress finding meaning or fulfillment, or taking on roles left by the deceased. Circumstance-Related Distress characterized as emotional pain brought on by how the deceased passed. The article furthermore looks into how the age of the military children plays into their separation distress. Followed by their existential/identity Distress may be disrupted by new

Deployments to war-zones change service members and their families. Some of the transformation are positive, for example, individual and career growth due to

War creates a great amount of stress on families that go beyond the regular struggles that occur in every day family life. When a family member is deployed to a war, no one is left unaffected. Just as the soldiers themselves go into the war unaware of what effects it will cause neither does their families. War instills vulnerability throughout families as it is not certain that the enlisted family member will return home again. Robert Ross from Timothy Findley’s

The U.S. military produces some of the bravest most heroic men and women on earth. From the moment the oath of enlistment is made to the time of separation or retirement, these courageous souls endure a number of amazing, historic and sometimes unbelievable events. They are praise for their service and lift even higher for their sacrifice, although most are unaware of the true sacrifices are made by some of these men and women. The most visible sacrifices or “outer sacrifices” are loss of life or loss of limbs while the inner wounds are bouts with depression, sexual assault, divorce, and most common alcohol other drug abuse.

During World War II, children, women and families worked tirelessly and contributed to aiding the soldiers during their perilous fights. In 1939 through 1945, American families came together and as a community to work the hardest they ever have. Families helped one another to hold up their country with the absence of their men. “Wear it out, use it up, make it do, or do without.” (qtd. In FDR and The American Crisis), were words stressed to the women and children for support. The sacrifices the families made on the homefront, became just as paramount as the battlefronts. If the choices that were made didn’t prevail, the success of the war wouldn’t have ensued.

Before I read this book, I had a limited understanding – it’s still limited due to the fact that I’m not a soldier, nor have I fought in a war – of how those who fight these wars for us are truly affected by the actions required. When we think of a soldier returning from war, we think of them as a hero, which they are, but we fail to think of how they’re could be feeling about the things they had to do. We fail to understand that PTSD is real and common in many soldiers; we fail to understand that we shouldn’t treat them as a “ticking time bomb” , but rather a fellow citizen that needs our help and understanding. We fail to see them as anything more than a soldier; we fail to see their humanity. This book opens up this disconnect a little more. Though the characters are fictional, we are still able to see real feelings that soldier face during and after the war, thanks to O’Brien’s experience. Though there still isn’t a perfect understanding of these feelings that soldiers face after war, the book has helped me to understand just how big this disconnect is. Though these feelings very well could be felt after any war that the nation has fought in, I feel like disconnect between veterans and civilians was broadened after soldiers returned from Vietnam. Civilians had seen on the television, for the first time,

Previously stated were the effects of war service remain a significant part of those who served. But let us not forget the families of veterans are also involved and impacted as well; dealing with changes and facing new challenges. Henry was struggling with not being able to relate to his family aftertime given to his country. “He jumpy and mean… [And] people got to leaving him alone” (580). In the article, “Impact Of Vietnam War Services On Veterans Perceptions Of Family Life”, Charles Hendrix and Lisa Anelli focused on at the ending of toured veterans dealing with PTSD and family satisfaction. This statement within the article was profound and appropriate, “Many Vietnam veterans returned back to their home countries at the end of their tour,

Our armed forces have not proven to be any exception as it has mightily troubled soldiers, especially those of lower class. It has been previously stated that a $300 payment count relieve one from honoring the draft in 1873, but in truth, class and social level have played a role in deferring from the draft and Selective Service far beyond laws of that sort in more obscure, largely unnoticed, instances. The Vietnam War, in particular, highlighted social flaws in the draft as the upscale population was easily able to evade conscription through student deferments, various loopholes, and influence which, in turn, burdened the proletariat with our nation's defence and sacrifice. But why is this so? Some Representatives and other officials conclude that these injustices originate from the lawmakers

War is an experience that is difficult to understand and describe. Imagine coming back from war and not having the love, comfort, or support from your loved ones to help you move on with your life. How would one feel in that situation? According to the way Tim O’Brien told the stories of the soldiers in The Things They Carried, they either knew how to cope or didn’t.

Long absences can very often lead to complications in marriages and in relationships with children. Soldiers can miss very important moments because of a war, such as holidays and birthdays. The parent who is not at war also has to take on all of the responsibilities for home, children, and finance while their significant other is deployed. In addition to this, the parent who is left behind often finds themselves dealing with a change in behavior from their children, which is very likely a result from their other parent’s long absence. Many returning veterans blame the complications in their lives after their life in the military on their time deployed. It may seem insignificant, but this is a big reason why military force has an impact on the everyday lives of Americans who do not even serve for a military branch.

Generational influences on survivors of war have lasting effects and among the consequences of war, the mental health impact of secondary trauma and grief on the civilian population is noteworthy in the context of war casualties. Long term traditions of spirituality, culture and biological aspects play a significant role in core beliefs leading to war. Regardless of the causal factors, the occurrence of parents losing their children as well as children losing fathers and mothers in scenarios they have no control over is a painful event that often leads to generational pain. (Stroebe, Schut, & Stroebe, 2007).

War has tremendous effects on the human mind and impacts all parties involved. Remnants of war can dramatically affect relationships with loved ones and create greater problems ranging from financial problems to psychological damage that has more profound effects on the family infrastructure and its operation. The notion of war produces pressures and strains on the family that is not experienced everyday in the routine family life. Family member who experience PTSD from their service in the military also places unforeseen weights and consequences for the family to carry. There are specific effects distinct to a parent, a spouse, and children when a loved one is serving their country. The relationships between a service men and these family members are transformed with the absence and their reintegration.

Deployment and integration are one the greatest challenges military families and children have to face on a daily basis. When a family member deploys or reintegrates within the entire family, it not only affects the service member but it affects the entire family. Deployment can often lead to families and children, experiencing a negative mental health outcomes and compromised wellbeing. Bello (2015) found that most families and children (80.5% required less than one month to adjust to the return of their deployed parent (Bello, 2015). Accordingly, the families and children are often quick to adjust to having their family member back in the home. Interestingly, discoveries are surprising in light of the fact that when contrasted to another family, the discoveries are definitely unique. Boberiene (2014) found that three out of every four families feel that reintegration after the first three months is the most stressful phase of a deployment (Boberiene, 2014). This is because the family experiences many emotions while the member is away.

One of the most successful tools that the United States’ federal government offers is the armed forces. During 1973, the Selective Service publicized that the draft was finally over, giving American citizens a choice if they wanted to join the armed forces. After this announcement was made, the military decreased in size with millions of people not taking advantage of the benefits that the federal government offered. The military presents a plethora of opportunities for people during their active service, and afterwards in the civilian world. Mandatory military service will open doors for many Americans and present opportunities for poverty stricken families. Americans must take advantage of military service, allowing them to benefit from the opportunities it offers, developing a sense of patriotism for all citizens.