Dual Military Couples - Double base battles. Family balance vs. detachment. Long absences that are often not in a cycle. These are just some of the difficulties double marriages face.
And it's not just anecdotal stories from couples who say double marriage is difficult. - The dates match. For example, of the roughly 176,000 married members of the Air Force, only about 28,000 of them are married to another service member.
Dual Military Couples
However, some couples, like Master Sgt. Brian Thomas, 319th Airlift Wing commander, and his wife, Master Sgt. Shannon Thomas, the chief designated manager of the 69th Maintenance Squadron, helps make it work. They have been married for more than 15 years and have more than 40 years of combined service.
Dual Military Spouses Share Deployment Successes
Brian and Shannon recently discussed how they have juggled relationships, marriage and family while lovingly serving their country.
"To see Shannon as an airman and make it all the way to chief of the Air Force is incredibly rare," Brian said. "I tell young couples that it's not always about one person. As we went through every year of school together, we always celebrated and rooted for each other. There was never a competition between the two of us, and we've always been like that... the each other's greatest defenders.
Shannon said she often went out of her way to offer support when her husband had to take a few days or weeks off to study for the next promotion test, and vice versa.
"During our careers, if one of us needed to study, the other would take care of the kids," Shannon said. "We'll always say we appreciate each other. He's my number one fan."
Dual Military Couples Share Experience Of Deploying Together
But it wasn't always perfect. Due to the nature of , some jobs consist of more deployments and special tasks, temporarily separating spouses from their loved ones.
"There were times in our marriage when work took a toll on me," said Brian, who explained that this stressor took a toll on their relationship. "Shannon basically told me something had to change and we pretty much have this unwritten rule that we don't volunteer for assignments."
Shannon said open communication, where they could talk about their concerns and honest opinions, was the best way to maintain a healthy marriage.
Not only was the distance a constant stress, but there were times when Shannon's work schedule and time with the children were out of balance.
Dual Service Couple Finds Balance Between Marriage And The Military
"There were times when I had to remind myself that the next day was my job and I had to go home and spend time with my kids," Shannon said. "Our number one asset is our children."
"When I saw the Air Force one with him, I just thought how proud I was of him," Shannon said. "I like being around him, so it makes me feel good to see that others want to be around him too."
"Shannon helped this nurse with her finances when she was a first sergeant, and it's funny that the nurse remembered Shannon and helped her throughout her career," Brian said.
When Brian and Shannon reflected on their careers and marriage, they said they were both successful. Her future plans are to eventually retire to Arizona and start her own business.
Army Program Offers Second Chance For Struggling Recruits
Because of the experiences and difficulties they have faced in their careers and in marriage, the best advice that Brian and Shannon could give for a successful marriage is to always communicate openly.
"Communication is everything," Shannon said. "As long as we keep talking to each other instead of keeping everything to ourselves, we'll stay happy and have a happy marriage."
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Important Aspects Of Dual Military Marriage To Look At Together
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Couples where both partners are in the military have many experiences that most civilian couples don't. Dual military couples are one of the rare cases where a military member has the opportunity to deploy with their spouse.
Through the Married Couples Program, which helps place married service members in nearby units, some couples have the opportunity to spend time together overseas.
The 1st Infantry Division HQ and HQ Battalion have several pairs with this unique status. The three pairs of military forces in the "Big Red" are together in Union III.
1. Inf. Two is part of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command, an operation-specific solution. CJFLCC-OIR is a global coalition of more than 60 regional and international nations united to enable partner forces to defeat ISIL and restore stability and security.
Sergeant Major Of The Army Fights For Dual Service Couples
Families of deployed service members understand all too well the challenge that communication can pose. From a poor phone and internet connection to the time difference between night and day, it can be difficult to stay in touch.
Currently on her third deployment since getting married, Sgt. 1st Class Noel Hunter, medical operations NCO, CJFLCC - OIR and Sgt. 1st Class John Brian Hunter, strike unit noncommissioned officer in charge, CJFLCC-OIR, knows these difficulties all too well.
But there is something different about this deployment. For the first time in the Hunters combined nine deployments, they are in the same country, same place, same time.
During two previous deployments, one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan, the couple were stationed in different parts of the country. Although this meant they spent more time at home together due to deployment cycles, it made communication difficult.
Commentary: Defining Pride > Joint Base San Antonio > News
In such a situation,
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