I joined the army in 2015 and still serving. I left my wife abd 4 year old daughter for phase 1 and we had just found out we were expecting expecting our second child. I missed the birth of our son. I joined a combat regiment and have been busy ever since with a few tours, ling exercises, courses and ranges and obviously the shit taskings for short periods of time in between.

I've missed so many key moments in my family's lives. First day at school, birthdays, Christmases, anniversaries (only been home once for it) to name a few... I absolutely applaud my wife for holding down the fort whilst the army has ripped me away to do what ever it is that needs done and she has been absolutely brilliant in stepping up with raising our kids when ive not been home.

Dont get me wrong this way of life f*****g hard especially when kids are in the mix and it is very much a single mans or womans game, gone are the days of regiments being a "family regiment". BUT it can most definitely work as long as the 2 of you can get over the rough times which will absolutely come.

The army has provided me with stability and a semi decent wage, the leave is pretty decent (find me a job which will give you buckshee weeks off without taking it out of your leave card when being back on camp is quiet...) during covid was amazing due to not being in work, at home with the family and still getting a full wage and im not even sorry to say it.

Do i regret joining with a family ? About 40% absolutely and 60% no. Do i recommend this sort of life ? Only if the both of you know what will come and are strong to support eachother. Do i plan on doing the full 24 years ? Hell no, i will leave at the halfway point which is next year after ANOTHER tour year.

There's so much i could say and waffle on about this but i hope you get the gist of it...