Can You Have Children While Serving in the United States Navy Submarine Force?

The U.S. Navy Submarine Force is one of the most demanding environments in the military, yet many service members still manage to have families while serving. This is often made possible by the flexibility and support structures within the military. This article delves into the realities of serving in the Navy Submarine Force as a parent and explores the challenges, benefits, and support systems in place for military families.

Support Systems for Service Members

Service members in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force face unique challenges, including long periods of separation from family, demanding schedules, and the isolation of submarine duty. Despite these challenges, there are numerous support systems in place to assist service members in managing their family responsibilities during submarine deployments.

Family Support Programs

The Navy offers a range of family support programs designed to help service members and their families. These include:

Family Readiness Groups (FRGs): These are informal groups that provide communication and support between sailors and their families. FRGs organize activities, offer counseling, and share information about deployment schedules and other relevant information. Navy OneCare: This is a military health program that provides comprehensive healthcare coverage for service members, their families, and dependents. Military OneSource: This provides free, confidential counseling and support services for service members and their families. Child and Youth Programs: The Navy offers a range of childcare services, including on-base day care centers and pre-school programs to help service members manage their responsibilities during deployments.

Realities of Submarine Service

Service members in the U.S. Navy Submarine Force often have to manage long periods of separation from their families. Due to the nature of submarine duty, many deployments can last for months at a time. However, many Navy families find innovative ways to stay connected and maintain their relationships despite the physical distance.

Staying Connected

Communication technology has made it easier for families to stay connected during submarine deployments. Service members and their families can use:

Video Calls: Services such as Zoom, FaceTime, and WhatsApp allow face-to-face communication despite the distance. Email and Text Messaging: These tools provide regular communication to keep deployment schedules and other important information up to date. Social Media: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram can be used to share photos and updates from home and at sea.

Family Life and Naval Duty

Despite the challenges, many naval officers and sailors have successfully balanced their military careers with family life. Serving in the Navy Submarine Force has its rewards, and many service members find that the special bond formed with their families through the challenges of deployment strengthens their relationships over time.

Personal Experiences

Many ex-service members have shared their experiences of serving in the Navy Submarine Force while being parents. My son, for example, served on two attack submarines and was able to get married and have a grandson between deployments. His story is far from unique. Many service members find joy in being able to serve their country and their families simultaneously.

Conclusion

While serving in the United States Navy Submarine Force comes with its challenges, it is entirely possible to have a fulfilling family life while doing so. With the support of the Navy's many family programs and advancements in communication technology, service members can maintain strong relationships with their families despite the distance and demands of submarine duty.

Service members who are considering joining the Navy Submarine Force can rest assured that they have the support of a caring and well-equipped military when it comes to managing their family responsibilities. The key to success lies in understanding the challenges and taking advantage of the available support systems to ensure a healthy work-life balance.