Policy that Affects Military Deployed Families: Analysis of the Deploy-or-Get-Out Policy and Recommendations for Support
Overview
This paper examines the deploy-or-get-out policy implemented by former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and its effects on military families. It analyzes the policy's impact on soldier readiness requirements while addressing the mental health, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by military families during deployments. The paper recommends comprehensive support mechanisms including mental health services and deployment limitations as solutions to mitigate negative outcomes.
What this essay covers
- Introduction addressing deployment effects on military families including mental health issues and divorce risks
- Analysis of the deploy-or-get-out policy and its requirements for deployable status
- Policy options including mental health care provision and deployment frequency limitations
- Recommendation for support services to military families
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Policy that Affects Military Deployed Families
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Policy that Affects Military Deployed Families
The deployment of soldiers affects families in various ways. Deployment of soldiers has been associated with poor mental health in military families, behavior problems in children, risks of divorce, and increased rates of suicide. Spouses and service members regularly report that deployment is one of the most aspects of military life. This paper will discuss a policy that affects military deployed families, policy options to be considered for deployed families, and a recommendation for a course of action.
One major policy that affects military families is the deploy-or-get-out policy. The policy was developed by former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who aimed at reducing the number of troops deemed unfit to serve in combat due to various factors such as fitness problems and medical issues. The policy aimed to motivate military soldiers to take the necessary steps to return to deployable status (Copp, 2018). Soldiers who failed to take the required changes with one year were at risk of facing selection for involuntary separation from the force.
As a result, soldiers have to make an effort to return to deployable status as soon as possible. The policy makes exceptions for injured, postpartum, and pregnant service members. The policy mandates troops temporarily exempted from deployment to return to deployment status as soon as possible. The policy puts a strain on military families that have soldiers with non-deployable status (Copp, 2018).