Forces Family Moments: Survey Says More Than Half Miss Out

Nearly half of respondents said they felt pressured to make the most of family time (Picture: Crown Copyright).

More than half of military families say they have been apart for once-in-a-lifetime moments like the birth of a child, according to a new survey.

Fifty-six per cent of respondents said they had missed "major moments" in their children's lives, including first words, first steps, the first day at school and the birth of a child.

The study, conducted by Armed Forces charity SSAFA surveyed past and current members of the military community on the impact service has on families.

The survey also found more than a third of forces families have been separated for at least ten months due to their work, with 81% of civilians surveyed not aware military personnel.

In July, a Ministry of Defence survey of families revealed 50% of respondents felt ‘disadvantaged about family life’.

Seventy-two per cent of respondents to the SSAFA survey from military families said they had not been together for events such as birthdays, weddings, funerals and anniversaries.

Meanwhile, two-thirds of military families aged 16-24 years-old said they have delayed a major life event, compared to 10% of those aged 55 and older.

Justine Baynes, director at the charity behind the survey, said: "Being away from home and your loved ones for any period can be difficult - but imagine doing it for months at a time with limited communication.

"Whilst it is accepted to be a part of the job at hand, it’s important that we remember that missing birthdays, school plays and those special moments that create memories can take a toll."