[crustychief]

Originally Posted by Seahawk

Eric,

I had a long Navy career with two children. I also did what we in the Navy call, "geobach" (which means being a geographic bachelor) for 4 years. My kids are 14 and 16. You can do the math.

The most important thing to surviving the next one to two years is to make sure your children understand exactly why you have to be away. They are old enough to be told that dad has responsibilities that mean you will be separate from them for more time than you would like.

Tell them that you love them and let them know how much you'll regret missing some very important milestones in their lives.

Be upfront and honest and let them know that they are part of helping make this very important time in all your lives work. Engage them in the success of your family enterprise. Focus on success.


Once the job begins use the tools at your disposal to keep the communications strong:

- Take pictures (everybody) and send at least one email a week with said pics.
- Call twice a week minimum for a few minutes.
- Try and not crumble on the weekends...you'll be tired but you've got to rally.

Hope I didn't come across as preachy, but I've lived the dream and made some mistakes you shouldn't.

All the best.

+ eleventy billion. Even the Navy gives awards and praises the family members for their sacrifices in this respect.