I am an air force wife, however I am also in the air force. Having been deployed, I do understand the lifestyle of one in the military...and the unfortunate bullcrap that comes with it. He retires in 5 years, and I'm very happy about that. I couldn't stay married to someone in the military for 20 years, however many women do...and do just fine. Everytime he even mentions the idea of a trip my heart drops. But you do mention how a civilian wife would take this. Like I said earlier, I'm also in the military - Guard, but still...I understand why we joined in the first place. For someone not in the military, I would imagine this would only be harder...especially once children get involved.