Deployment Challenges: Maintaining Family, Finances, & Focus

By Denny Shannon, Sergeant E-4, US Army

Looking back on my deployment in Vietnam, I recall the practical challenges, especially for those managing responsibilities at home.  Long-distance relationships often deteriorated under the strain, regardless of how solid marriages seemed prior to deployment.  Issues like infidelity and loneliness were persistent threats; I regularly advised comrades to utilize official resources rather than risking complications elsewhere.

Handling finances from thousands of miles away created ongoing complications. Whether payments fell to the soldier or the spouse, mistakes easily distracted personnel from their objectives—a risk we couldn’t afford. The team's operational safety depended on everyone maintaining focus, so I continually recommended sorting out all financial obligations well before leaving country.

Securing adequate housing required advanced planning, with rent and mortgage payments posing logistical issues. But the greater concern remained the security of one’s family in the event of death or injury. Ensuring that proper insurance and survivor benefits were in place offered some reassurance if the worst occurred.

Physical and mental health needs were often sidelined. Accessing military medical channels was crucial, so I encouraged soldiers to ensure their dependents understood how to use these services efficiently.

Relationship problems, including rumors and silence from partners, frequently undermined morale. Instances of unexpected pregnancies or extramarital affairs increased tension and could threaten mission effectiveness. When news from home was distressing, it sometimes led soldiers to absent themselves without leave—AWOL. In such cases, disciplinary action was not uncommon, ranging from non-judicial punishment under Article 15 to more serious charges and rights advisement under Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). In certain instances, consequences became severe, even resulting in court-martial or life-altering outcomes.

Not all soldiers had families; some relied on solitude, but establishing camaraderie within the unit provided needed support and improved unit cohesion.

Above all, I consistently reminded soldiers to prioritize survival.  Ultimately, mission accomplishment and returning alive took precedence over personal concerns.  Focus and discipline ensured the best chance of making it through—sentiment aside, this was the only rational approach.

Respectfully,

Denny Shannon

Sergeant E-4, US Army