Relocation Experiences The Experiences of Military Families with Relocations Due to Postings – Survey Results May 2018 Relocation Experiences Research Team Lynda Manser, Primary Investigator
[email protected] Research and Strategic Program Development Military Family Services Comprehensive Military Family Plan Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services CITATION INFORMATION Manser, L. (2018). Relocation Experiences. The Experiences of Military Families with Relocations Due to Postings – Survey Results. Ottawa, ON: Military Family Services, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. Military Family Services Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services Department of National Defence / Government of Canada May 2018 The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as the official position of the Canadian Armed Forces, nor of the Department of National Defence. Abstract To inform the development of a Comprehensive Military Family Plan, Military Family Services and Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services conducted a research study, “Understanding the Needs and Processes of Canadian Armed Forces Families during Relocations”. This research focused on better understanding: - The number of moves families experienced and to what locations; - The financial impact of moves; - How families made decisions with respect to where to live; - What relocation tasks are most important and most time-consuming; - Where they sought resources and support; - What unique challenges are associated with Imposed Restrictions; - Non-military spousal employment considerations; and - Impacts on the intimate partner relationship. Results revealed that for most military families the posting instruction confirming the need to geographically relocate comes with feelings of happiness and excitement. A smaller proportion respond to the posting instruction with fear, apprehension, anxiety or sadness.