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Family Deployment: Communication during Deployment

Communications play a critical role when a service member is physically absent. Maintaining an emotional connection is essential in sustaining a relationship. Active communication also boosts morale for both the service member and those left at home. It is vital to make communication plans prior to the period of separation to avoid misunderstandings and to save on those unexpected long distance phone calls! Consider which of these methods might be best for your family.

1. Bluey
2. E-bluey
3. E-mail
4. Phone
5. Parcels
6. Audio/Videotapes
7. BFBS

1. Bluey

Otherwise known as Forces Aerogrammes, Blueys are a way of sending letters to each other for free. They can be picked up from Post Offices or from your local HIVE. You should date each letter as you may not receive letters in sequential order. Some couples number every letter that they send so the receiving partner knows which one to read first when he or she receives five letters in one day (mail service on and off ships is sometimes unpredictable!). Don’t put anything in a Bluey as it will then be treated as surface mail and take much longer to arrive. Make sure you get the postal address from your service member and write the address like this:

Number, Rank, Name
Platoon or Department,
(Company/Squadron or Battery)
Unit
Operation NAME
BFPO Number

Or if they are serving on board a Royal Navy ship:

Name, Rank/Rate, Number
Mess,
Name of ship or unit
BFPO Number

2. E-bluey

These are a cunning way of allowing you to send a letter via email while still keeping the contents private. You send it via the Internet (after registering at www.bfpo.org.uk) and it is printed by an integrated mail printer in the overseas theatre that also folds and seals the content. You need Internet access and an email address, although you get an option to open a free Yahoo email account during the set up procedure. If you don’t have Internet access you can use PC’s at your local library or HIVE for free. If you have a pay as you go Internet account you can write your e-bluey offline and just go online to send it. Letters: Letters are the most inexpensive way of communicating and can be the most satisfying. Letters can be reread over and over, especially during periods of loneliness. They are also fun to read years later! Letters can be long, detailed accounts of everyday activities or can be short and sweet “thinking of you” messages.

3. E-mail

Communicating via e-mail has become increasingly popular for geographically separated couples. Wherever possible Service members are given access to email and the Internet wherever possible and this is an excellent way of communicating. This mode of communication is fairly fast and each partner can get “up-to-date” information. If time, planning, and capability exist the couple can create a private chat room and have an electronic conversation. If you don’t have a personal computer or Internet service you can use PC’s at your local library or HIVE for free. Privacy on emails is not guaranteed as the email may be printed off and given to the service member if it is not feasible for them to have access to a computer to read it. Submariners can usually only receive emails and post when they are alongside in a harbour.

4. Phone

Service members are usually entitled to free phone calls of 30 minutes per week while they are on operation (20 minutes for Royal Navy personnel onboard a ship). They can buy top up cards in theatre or it may be possible for you to top up the cards by credit card. Phone calls can be expensive, but hearing your loved ones voice every now and then is a luxury that many couples will budget for. However, most of the time it’s not feasible to phone your service member when they are on operation so try to arrange a set time for them to phone you and make sure you will be free of distractions for that 30 minutes. Also try to talk about positive things rather than complaining about difficulties etc as that will cause frustration on both sides as you cannot help each other at this time.

5. Parcels

Parcels send a little piece of home to the service member. Things to include might be photographs, home baking, magazines, children’s artwork or a home video. Delivery usually takes two to three weeks but can take as long as six to eight weeks so send early if you want it to arrive in time for a special occasion. Also bear in mind that packages are often opened in front of other people so don’t include anything that might embarrass! The maximum weight varies between the services from 2kg for the Army to 30kg for the Royal Navy and you can’t send alcohol, tobacco, flammable or toxic substances. See www.bfpo.mod.uk for full details.

6. Audio/Videotapes

Audiotapes or CDs are an excellent way to hear the voice of your loved one. You can give a long, detailed account of the day or week, or you can add a little bit each day. Videos or DVD’s are an excellent resource for loved ones to see where the service member is stationed or what the sea and ship look like. Likewise, the service member will enjoy seeing his or her family engaging in activities. This will take prior planning as you both will need the necessary equipment. You may want to share resources with other families so both the service member and the family members have access to a recorder.

7. BFBS

The British Forces Broadcasting Service is run by the Services Sounds and Vision Corporation and provides a radio and TV service to troops deployed abroad, or on ships. It is possible to send messages for both radio and TV. There are instructions on how to send a ‘TV – Bluey’ here

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