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OPSEC or Operational Security evokes thoughts of the cliché posters during World War II reminding everyone to keep troop movements a secret and not let the enemy win. However, Operational Security is just as important today and in many ways is a lot easier to violate. Social media encourages and enables individuals to turn what’s happening in their everyday lives into personal news stories.
It is easy for many adults to think that their status updates are just on Facebook and won’t get anyone in trouble. However, social media and other open sources are how a lot of foreign intelligence is gathered that can put our troops in harms way.
One of the most difficult parts of being a military parent is explaining OPSEC to children in a non-threatening way. How can you explain to a generation that is encouraged to post every last moment of their lives online that they need to be careful not to give “the enemy” too much information? See More
The most common reason for using social media is keeping in touch with friends and family, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Communication is an an ever-present need for service member and military families nationwide. The holiday season is a great time to give communications technology tools a try.
Here’s a look at four options that can help military families stay in touch: See More
It is an honor to be a parent of a United States soldier, they volunteered to fight for our country and you should be very proud of them.
That being said, you, like most parents out there, probably have many emotional and mixed feelings about a current or upcoming deployment. It is easy to start feeling helpless when your son or daughter gets deployment orders. You may feel like there is nothing you can do.
We put together the best tips and advice on how to support your child while he or she is deployed. They deserve all the support they can get! See More
Known for family feasts and football, Thanksgiving is loaded with tradition.
If a deployment has your family split this season, it may be a bit difficult to enjoy a second helping of stuffing.
You can’t send a steaming plate of turkey, mashed potatoes and a side of pumpkin pie and expect it to last the two to three week minimum travel time and of course you can’t let him watch football and nap on the couch next to Uncle Joe. The name of the game becomes “improvise.”
Luckily you can send some tasty treats reminiscent of thanksgiving and send some great favorites that help bring Thanksgiving to your soldier! Here’s how: See More
When a loved one is deployed, waiting out the days until they return can be difficult for a host of reasons. I am an avid reader myself so I love to spend read to help pass the time but it is also a great emotional outlet.
When you feel like everyone is judging you or no one in your life can understand you, a book can help you understand and work through your emotions.
Here are five books (and reviews) recommended by those who’ve experienced the left-behind side of deployment.
Deployment can trigger an emotional tide that impacts the entire family.
It can be especially difficult for children, who are suddenly faced with the departure of a mother or father. Young children can struggle to understand the “where, how and why” of a parent’s absence.
Studies have shown that some children with a deployed parent suffer from high levels of stress, which can lead to violence, mental illness and resentment that can change the entire family dynamic.
While you can’t replace that loved one serving abroad, parents, other family members and friends can help children cope by keeping them connected. Here are some long-term projects and other activities that can help children stay engaged in family life during a difficult stretch: See More
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