Military families carry unique intergenerational trauma burdens — often invisible to civilian society but real and significant.
Intergenerational Trauma Challenges Unique to Military Families
- Deployment separation: Repeated separations create attachment disruption and anxiety for all family members
- Reintegration: Return from deployment requires major readjustment, often triggering intergenerational trauma
- Frequent relocation: PCS moves disrupt social supports that protect against intergenerational trauma
- Secondary trauma: Living with a service member with PTSD or intergenerational trauma creates secondary psychological impact
Children in Military Families and Intergenerational Trauma
Military children are resilient but face significant intergenerational trauma risks. School changes, parent absence, and exposure to parent's intergenerational trauma all require specific support.
Resources for Military Family Intergenerational Trauma
Military OneSource, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC), and installation behavioral health services provide free or low-cost intergenerational trauma support for military families.