Long distance communication can be one of the biggest challenges in a long distance relationship. It is so hard to communicate well when you are relying on texts, emails, and Skype. So much emotion and body language is missed or misinterpreted when you can’t speak face to face. During a military deployment, communication is an even greater challenge. One of the worst parts of long distance communication during a deployment is that so much of it is only 1-way. Only the service member can initiate phone calls or arrange for Skype locations. So the loved one at home is stuck feeling helpless and frustrated, checking their phone constantly for messages, and writing letter or emails that won’t be read for days or weeks.
How can you handle the strain of long distance communication during a deployment?
First, talk about expectations. You each need to be aware of the challenges of deployment communication, and come up with a communication plan before he deploys. Will he even be able to use his cell phone during deployment? Will he be in an area with wi-fi? Will he have to wait in lines for computer access? Knowing the possibilities will help you each have reasonable expectations. Obviously he can’t send you text messages without a phone, or emails without a computer. So have an honest talk about how often you each expect to hear from the other. This will go a long way towards preventing frustration and anger! Know the options for long distance communication. Usually the choices are: Phone calls, Emails, Skype, Messenger Apps (like Facebook Messenger or Google Hangouts), and of course hand-written letters. Even if this isn’t your first deployment, communication options change in different areas and units. So ask around and find out as much as you can about where they will go. Many service members have to wait in lines to make a phone call or use a computer, so they can’t predict when they can call you or for how long. Also, depending on location, they may need to buy phone cards and keep them filled up in order to talk. Apps like Skype and Facetime can only be used on your own personal electronic devices (if he is bringing any) and only in areas with Wi-Fi. So it may take a while for him to play around with different ways to reach you, and you have to understand that your communication routine may change halfway through the deployment if he changes locations. Consider the Pros and Cons of different types of long distance communication. Basically, nothing is ideal during deployment. Everyone always wants to hear from or see their spouse more often. But here is a handy chart listing the typical communication options, and the pros and cons of each. Let’s go through it.
- Phone Calls are great, but not always possible if he has to wait in line to use a sat phone. The calls can be short, and sometimes won’t come for weeks at a time. The worst part is that the government numbers don’t receive outside calls, so if you miss a call you can’t call him back. This is nerve-wracking, and it is the reason military spouses always keep their phones nearby! Also, because of the time zone difference on the other side of the world, he may only be able to call you in the middle of the night, which is frustrating.
- Email is wonderful because you can send a quick message with a thought, a question, an update, or a photo, and the other person can receive it at their convenience and reply right away. Many military spouses have ongoing conversations and make important future decisions from email conversations! The downside is that the military member doesn’t always have an Internet connection. Also, remember that government email addresses are not private, so be careful what you send!
- Hand-written letters were once the only way to communicate with troops. They are still a classic, romantic gesture that are a great way to express yourself or share what is happening in your daily life. They are a huge morale booster, and can be treasured and re-read anytime. The downside? They take forever to arrive. Current deployments usually take 2-3 weeks to receive mail from America. And a military member’s written reply will take just as long.
- Video apps like Skype and Facetime can make for amazing moments during a deployment, especially if a father is meeting his baby for the first time. It is a great way for kids to connect with their deployed parent, because they can see them and interact with the screen. However, these apps can only be used on personal electronic devices, and will require Wi-fi, which isn’t always an option. Also, the frustration of technology is real. Half of military Skype calls are usually spent repeating yourself to a fuzzy blob on the screen. Half of military Skype calls are usually spent repeating yourself to a fuzzy blob on the screen. #milspouse #deploymentsucks Share on X Not exactly ideal for discussing anything important. Also, since it is a real-time conversation, be prepared for awkward moments of silence. The service member’s life is basically the same every day, so they quickly run out of things to talk about. Try to keep interesting stories and funny anecdotes stored up for them, so you can share those and keep the conversation going.
- Messenger Apps like Facebook Messenger or Google Hangouts can be a great way to keep a conversation going during deployment. It is almost like texting, but without phones or data charges. Of course, the service member will need internet access, but it doesn’t have to be Wi-fi. That makes these apps a lot more useful during deployment. It erases the time zone challenge, because you can leave a quick message for the other person to see when they wake up. Or you can have a real-time conversation without the inconvenience of breaking it into emails. If you are on your phone, you can even take a picture and include it in the chat. When I gave birth while my husband was deployed, Skype wasn’t available, so we used an app like this. I was literally typing to him while I was in labor, and he got a picture of the newborn baby right away!
Well I wish that was the case for me my fiance don’t use Skype he always texting me and yes he in deployment but he never make phone calls but on some special duty assignments he not allowed to use his phone I guess order by his commander but in this case it the first time I haven’t talk to him in a week, he always wait 2 to 3 days before he applied to my text but not this time it been a week already, and I’m trying to be strong but I should be use to it by now because my first fiance die before we can married, but i didn’t have to go through this deployment because we met after he retired, so now I’m just waiting and praying he ok,
Rose, I also pray he is ok. There are numerous reasons communication can drop during a deployment. Sometimes it is the service member’s schedule changing. Or a training mission. Or the command locks down communication because of security reasons. I know how frustrating and stressful that can be, but I also know it’s best to focus on positive things. No news is usually good news. If he was hurt, you would know by now. So stay strong! I’m sure he will contact you soon.
Hi Lizann. I’m in a relationship with an airborne NCO who has been stationed in Europe. He was supposed to come to the States this January for a special course but was disqualified due to a shoulder injury. Rather than be stuck behind a desk for the foreseeable future, he told me he was preparing to volunteer for a training deployment, non combat. The news came shortly after he found out he couldn’t come to see me, so I had a negative emotional response and asked if we could at least discuss it before it was finalized. He said we would and then suddenly went silent. He was already in preparation for the deployment last time I talked to him though plans have yet been finalized.
He hasn’t sent me any communication for over a week. I’ve sent messages and calls over WhatsApp and FaceTime/iMessage with no response. Messages are delivering, so his phone must be on and his service or WiFi working. But he hasn’t even opened my iMessages.
I feel like he just stopped checking out maybe even deleted without telling me. I’m upset but also in limbo because I have very little info to go on.
Do you have any insights or advice?
I’m sorry, my phone autocorrected and changed the meaning of part of what I wrote. Corrections below with stars, since I can’t edit my submission:
“I feel like he just stopped checking *or maybe even *deployed without telling me.”
If they text your number from their own phone does that mean you get long distance charges.
It’s not a matter of long distance charges. Typically the issue is international charges, because their number has to be activated to work overseas. Different cell phone providers have different plans, but you usually need to pay for international access for the phone to call from an overseas location.
Can anyone please help !!!!
me 😩😩😩
i meet a lady on a lesbian site we have been chatting since christmas via instagram she says Based at site 512 in israel with nato army an sergeant ?
She says shes from houston texas but wants to join me in the uk she would buy her own propertly . she as been chatting about trying to get leave and retirement but says the taliban attacked the suppy she as asked me to send her steam card to pay for her profile cards i know that it can be a scam I told her there was no way id do this never ever and she said she understand and is still chatting with me about a future together i feel bad guilty but i am not sending any money steam cards I AM DESPERTLEY TRYING TO FIND OUT IF SHE IS REAL TELLING ME THE TRUTH !!!!!
she as loads of photo videos of herself on instagram please help thank you
Um, definitely a scam. She is not telling you the truth. The biggest issue is that you haven’t done actual phone or video conversations. You can reverse image search the Instagram photos that are supposed to be her, and they will definitely come up as soneone else.
There are multiple problems with her story. If she is an American, the only reason to be in Israel would be dual citizenship. But then she couldn’t buy any land in the UK.
So… don’t send any money.