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AbstractFathering in the military context has been studied for decades. The general approach to this research has mirrored the way in which civilian fathering was studied, with an original emphasis on the deficiencies among fathers as parents, eventually giving way to examining the benefits of father involvement. Largely in the past decade, research has begun to examine the strengths of military fathers and how they can thrive as parents even as they live in a challenging work context. This review examines the literature on fathering in the military. In addition, the article encourages future research on military fathers to use more of a strengths‐based approach. Moreover, virtually nothing is known about civilian fathers who coparent with a service member. Future research should address this gap in understanding the full range of military family formations.

AbstractObjectiveRisk and protective factors associated with parental functioning (i.e., meeting child's emotional needs) and satisfaction (i.e., closeness) were examined among post‐9/11 veteran mothers during their civilian transition.BackgroundPost–military‐separation stressors (e.g., relocation, benefit changes) can strain well‐being and familial relationships. Stress, particularly in the presence of unresolved trauma from military‐specific risks, can impinge upon parental functioning and satisfaction, negatively influencing child outcomes (e.g., social–emotional, academic, behavioral).MethodA prospective cohort was identified from all active duty service members who separated in May–September 2016. Logistic regression analyses of surveys completed by post‐9/11 veteran mothers (n = 711) assessed effects of protective (i.e., resilience) and military‐specific risk factors (i.e., deployments) on parental functioning and satisfaction. Interactions between protective factors and deployments and combat (patrols and corollaries) were explored.ResultsCoping characteristics (e.g., healthy behaviors), absence of mental health conditions, and social supports were positively associated with parental functioning and satisfaction. Household financial security was not. Mothers who had deployed reported higher parental functioning and satisfaction. Mothers experiencing combat patrols were less likely to report high parental functioning.ConclusionMalleable protective factors positively influence parenting but do not buffer against combat exposure.ImplicationsInterventions bolstering protective factors for veteran mothers can foster coping, reintegration, and positive child outcomes.

Developmental theory indicates that success during a major life change requires attention to multiple life domains (e.g., physical health, mental health, employment, financial, and social). This study presents a revised conceptual framework and offers a new empirical model to assess the well-being of post-9/11 veterans as they transition to civilian life. Data from a large sample of post-9/11 veterans surveyed over 2.5 years revealed that post-9/11 veteran transitions were mixed: veterans improved over time in some domains (e.g., employment), stagnated in some (e.g., social), and struggled more over time in others (e.g., physical health). Even in domains with improvement, a large percent of veterans still struggled (e.g., 34% struggled with mental health at Wave 6). Moreover, certain groups tended to struggle more (e.g., enlisted, women, people of color). The conceptual framework and empirical model are intended to stimulate discussion on how best to understand, evaluate, and support veterans' military-to-civilian transition.