I don't think I'll be ever be at ease until the day he's home for good

I can only imagine how awful that would be. You will have to think of ways to focus on different things and enjoy your life even though worry will constantly be in the back of your mind. He will be in there for some time. I hope he will be ok. But It is important for you to live your life as well and do things that you enjoy. Enlisting in the army was something that he wanted to do. You have to find something that you want to do or focus on while he's gone. You may be surprised at how much you change and grow through this time period. Perhaps go to college, focus on a career, interest or hobby. This way when he's all done you will be able to focus on being with him and keeping your relationship strong.

It is sad that your boyfriend has signed up for the army career. I think that you are being totally normal with your worrying. Yes, overseas can be anywhere that has a war zone like Afghanistan. I was chatting to a national guard at the bus station in Buenos Aires. He said that he had done of tour of duty in Bosnia Herzegovina in the 1990s. He was pleased to have a more normal life now. Yes, the next three years are bound to be very challenging. I know I couldn't handle having a military boyfriend. I would become a nervous wreak. Your boyfriend will indeed be trained how to handle every likely situation. I hope that the three years go fast and your boyfriend comes home safe and sound. Good luck.

First off, you don't mention, but if you are planning on marrying this boyfriend, you need to be prepared that you are marrying the Army. My daughter was married to the Army for 6 years. Her husband did 1 tour in Afghan, 3 in Iraq, and his last one was 2 years in Korea. He is back in the states now, but the marriage didn't survive. She was amazing through out the tours in Iraq/Afghan, she was true to him, as many Army wives aren't. He was supposed to only do 1 year in Korea, but he extended it to 2 years. She found out she was pregnant 3 days before he deployed, so basically, she went through the pregnancy alone and raised their son for the first year by herself. One of her survival techniques while he was in Iraq, was NOT watching the news, or reading the newspaper, what they reported was not the whole picture. She also stayed busy, with hobbies, and traveling to see family. I lived in Pennsylvania at the time and the rest of the family was in Texas, they were stationed in Virginia. One of the best things you can do is stay busy, keep your mind busy. There will be times that they go on a type of lock down, and can not place calls, also they can not place calls if they are on a mission. So, don't think the worst if you don't hear from him for days! And, keep in mind, that even though he signed up for 3 1/2 years, there is the very real possibility that he will re-up at the end of that time, making the military his career. Good Luck

I would feel so scared to. I knew that I would never date anyone who wanted to go into the military because I would not be able to handle it. I would be worried sick all the time and not be able to stand worrying that something bad might happen to him while he is serving his time there. I pray that your boyfriend will stay safe and return to you and you will have a wonderful life together!

I'm feeling afraid for your boyfriend just by reading your post. It's really horrible and i can't imagine you having to bear all these tormenting thoughts. I thought US has stop the war with Afghanistan? Why does he still needs to go there? Plus, i really hope that you can put all these tormenting thougthts at the back of your head. Otherwise, for the next 3 years, you won't be able to get anything done. I know it's difficult, but you just have to try not to think about it. Otherwise, life would really be very miserable for you.

Hello..i totally understand how you feel, and i am the one that was away. i went into the Marines right after 9/11..so u know what time it was. training was cut short and we were outta here..and i was married at the time also. so my wife and i were going thru the same withdrawls. but i can say i am a living witness that we do return..so keep praying and you will be ok..everyday is goin to be a struggle, but that will make you love him even more...

Army deployments are a year, often extended to a year and a half. Relax, have faith, you have the easy job. Stay strong so he can stay strong. Hoorah!