Dual Military sociological advantages to conflict with Lifestyle

 

Md. Majidul Haque Bhuiyan ¹

 

¹ Department of Electrical and Computer Science Engineering, North South University, Bashundhara, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh  

 

1. INTRODUCTION

Family is the prime concern for every married person's life and obviously a child is the nucleus of that family. Human child needs extreme care since his or her birth. Parents are the main tools to build up a child to a well-groomed up person in the society. The blood relation created by Almighty between a child and parents has also made a child fully dependent on his parents in the very initial stage. On the other hand, a dual military couple, where both of them are bounded by the rules and regulations of the military service, it is very difficult to fulfil parental requirement of a child.

Military service demands 24/7 service from its members. On the other hand, a children demands intense and continuous care from his parents, specially from mother. These two equals but opposite important demands create a complex situation for the dual military couples. Now this is a matter of great concern for any service administration as it affects professional efficiency and social stability of both the officers at a time. Shawon et al. (2018) Moreover, challenges are more diversified when inter services marriage is occurred. This research has taken an endeavour to identify the challenges of dual military couples regarding childcare and its effect on both child and parents with few suggestions to overcome those challenges by military services.

 

2. RESEARCH QUESTIONS

2.1. PRIMARY QUESTION

Do military services have enough preparedness to support dual military couples to meet the challenges of child development?

 

2.2. SECONDARY QUESTIONS

1)     What are the challenges do the dual military couples face in child development?

2)     What are the effects of childcare complicacy on children and dual military couples' life?

3)     What are the measures military services can take to mitigate the challenges of dual military couples in child development?

4)     Major Afsana Rahman, in his research, 'Changing Family Pattern and Its Impact on Child Care System', confined her topic within urban area only.

5)     Major JaRai A. Williams, in his research, 'Dual-Military Couples, Child Care & Retention’, discussed the childcare issue only on air force perspective. Moreover, he gave more emphasis on off based childcare system. He didn't give any solution which can be taken by armed forces.

6)     Kacy Mixon (2013), in her research, 'Serving Together: Research on Dual Military Couple', explained various difficulties of dual military couples in child development. However, she didn't mention any solution regarding this matter.

7)     Major Mohammad Hedayetul Islam, in his research, 'Working Wives and Its Impacts on Military Life of Bangladesh Army', confined his research on military wives working outside armed forces. He didn't elaborately explain regarding effects of childcare complicacy on dual military couples.

 

2.3. SCOPE FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Basing on the literatures reviewed and the comments, following areas were found for further research:

1)     Necessity of required preparedness to support dual military couples to meet the challenges of child development.

2)     Necessity of identifying challenges of inter services marriage for military personnel and ways to overcome.

3)     Necessity of supportive working environment for a mother in military profession.

4)     Identification of reasons for early retirement of dual military couples due to childcare challenges.

 

2.4. Area Chosen for Research

It is well understood that childcare challenges of dual military couples are now a matter of great concern for military services for upbringing the overall efficiency of the armed forces. Thus the specific area chosen within above mentioned three scopes is, Necessity of required preparedness to support dual military couples to meet the challenges of child development.'

 

3. LIMITATIONS AND ASSUMPTIONS

3.1. LIMITATIONS

1)     The research was confined to the periphery of Bangladesh Armed forces. Challenges of the other countries' Armed forces were not studied in this research.

2)     Only mid-level serving officers were considered for this research.

3)     Since ratio between ability of providing time to children and child development varies among the dual military couples, thereby specific data can't be given in this regard.

4)     Challenges not related to childcare were not discussed in this research.

 

3.2. ASSUMPTIONS

1)     Though the samples taken from a selected group of officers, it was assumed that the outcome of this research would be pertinent for all dual military couples.

2)     It is assumed that the background of the study was well understood by interviewed person. Moreover, views and comments. were given impartially.

3)     While taking the views of one of the members of a dual military family, it is considered that this is the view of both the officers of that family.

 

3.3. PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH

The purpose of this research is to ascertain the challenges of dual military couples in child development, effects of childcare complicacy and finally, propose some measures to our military services in order to support dual military couples in facing those challenges.

 

3.4. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RESEARCH

Today's children are our future leaders. Parents are the key actors for proper grooming up of those future leaders. Thereby, the major role that has to perform by dual military couples, especially the female officers as mother, can't be undervalued or ignored. On the other hand, the childcare complicacy of dual military couples considerably affects overall efficiency of the military services. Zaman et al. (2016) The significance of this research lies in its attempt to identify the challenges faced by dual military couples of Bangladesh armed forces for grooming up of their children. It will also find out the negative effects on both children and the couples. As a whole this research will make an endeavour to find out some plausible solutions which can be implemented by the military services to mitigate those challenges of dual military couples.

 

3.5. RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

1.15  Hypothesis. Military services have lack of preparedness to support dual military couples in facing their child development challenges.

 

4. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

4.1. RESEARCH DESIGN          

This research will be a casual study type research to determine the casual relationship between a specific problem and its effects. The research questions have been identified from the problem statement of the research. The existing literatures have been reviewed critically to find further scope of research. After that, the purpose of the research has been identified, Moreover, the hypothesis of the research was linked with the purpose to ensure validity of the research work. Both quantitative and qualitative technique will be adopted for data collection. Plateau and Bhuiyan (2017) Data will be collected through survey method, interview, focused group discussion, document study, and childcare center visit. Survey for dual military couples, personal interview with structured questionnaire and telephone interview will be carried out for quantitative data collection. For qualitative data collection, focused group discussion, document study and Unstructured telephone interview will be conducted. Moreover, a childcare center will be visited for data collection on existing facilities for the children.

 

4.2. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK    

The conceptual framework is given at Annex E.

 

4.3. OPERATIONALIZATION

1)     Research Variables.      

2)     Case. Childcare of dual military couple.

3)     Independent Variable. Challenges of dual military couple.

4)     Dependant Variable. Effects on the child development.

 

Research Type Causal

4.4. CHALLENGES FACED BY THE DUAL MILITARY COUPLES

4.4.1.  POSTING IN SEPARATE GARRISONS/ BASES

 A survey was conducted to identify the status of dual military couples' posting in same garrison. The survey result is as follows:

Table 1

Table 1: Duration of Staying in Same Garrison
Length of Marriage Life	Number of Officers	Posting in Same Garrison
		Less than 3yrs	3-6 yrs.	6-9 yrs.	Above 9 yrs.
1-5 yrs.	12	12	-	-	-
6-10 yrs.	32	8	24	-	-
10 - 15 yrs.	16	-	7	6	3
Total	60	20	31	6	3
Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Again, the response of dual military couples to consider posting in separate garrison as a challenge to child development is shown below:

Chart 1

                                                                         

Chart 1: Posting in Separate Garrisons/ Bases Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Majority of the dual military officers believe that posting in separate garrisons/ bases is a challenge for child development. A child needs 24 hrs supervision by his parents or close relatives. However, parents both are serving in military hardly can give time to their child, especially during office time FGD (2018). On the other hand, posting of a military officer is an uncertain matter due to various service requirements. Thereby, separated parents face tremendous pressure in upbringing their children Zaman et al. (2016). There is a certain policy for posting in a same garrison for dual military couples. However, the policy can't be maintained regularly due to service requirements Secretary (2018). At present, the existing posting policy for dual military couples are as under:

Table 2

Table 2: Existence of Posing Policy
Ser	Services	Existence of Policy	Letter No	Rmk
			MS Br 23.01.901.057.06.105.01.12.02.17, 12 Feb 2017
1	Army	Yes
2	Navy	No
3	Air Force	Yes	Air HQ 36-29, 06 March 2018
Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

4.5. ABSENCE/UNAWARENESS OF CAREER PLANNING      

The researcher has conducted survey on officers regarding awareness of personal career planning. Unfortunately, none of the officers received any written career planning from military secretariat branch in their service life. The related authority of the three services also agreed that there is no such provision of providing career plan to officers. The survey result on challenges of dual military couples in relation to unawareness of career planning is shown below:

Chart 2

                                                                           

Chart 2 Absence/Unawareness of Career Planning Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

The result shows that majority of the officers believe absence or unawareness of their future career planning is a challenge for family planning and child development. An officer's life is based on unit service, military training, and operational activities. However, it’s a difficult task for the service HQs to provide future career plan to the officers due to various service requirements Sharif (2018). However, this unawareness creates uncertainty in dual military couples' mind. The following survey result gives a clear indication of state of uncertainty:

                                                                       INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Chart 3

                                                                         

Chart 3: Uncertainty Due to Lack of Career Planning Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

During survey it is seen that 95.3% officers feel uncertainty about their future life. Officers' career planning can also help dual military couples to take preparation for the upcoming challenges FGD (2018). On the other hand, MS branch can't circulate career planning due to diversity of officers' employment in military services Military (2018).

 

4.6. ABSENCE OF INTER SERVICES POLICIES FOR DUAL MILITARY COUPLES

The number of dual military couples are increasing in our military services. The present state of dual military couples in our three services are as follows:

Table 3

Table 3: Number of Dual Military Couples
Ser	Services	Number of dual Military Couples	Rmk
1	Army	71
2	Navy	39
3	Air Force	47
Source: MS br, NS Br and Air Secy Br

 

Various requirements of dual military couples are interdependent to each other. On the other hand, our service HQs plan officers' career as a single entity Mixon (2013). The researcher tried to find out any existing inter services policies for dual military couples while conducting survey. However, there is no such policies have been made by any services headquarters or armed forces division. The challenges dual couples face due to lack of inter service policy has been reflected through following survey result:

Chart 4

                                                                            

Chart 4: Absence of Inter Services Policy Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

All most all the respondents recognized that absence of inter service policies is a challenge not only for the dual military couples but also for the service HQs. Nowadays, many officers are getting married in other services. In present day context, time has come to formulate inter services policies to provide required support to dual military couples Major (2018). The officers also think that there should be nominated personnel in service HQs or separate cell to deal with inter services married couples. The urgency is reflected in following survey result done on this aspect:

89.6% officers think that there should be nominated personnel or separate cell. On the other hand, different services have different requirements. Thereby, it is difficult to formulate such policy to adjust dual military couples Air Secretary (2018).

 

4.7. FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT OF BOTH THE OFFICERS AT A TIM        

Foreign employ -ment of dual military couples at a time is identified as one of the major challenges. The related survey result is shown below:

Chart 5

                                                                             

Chart 5 Attending Courses/ Foreign Employment at A Time Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Bulks of the respondents feel that absence of parents at the same time due to foreign employment or attending various courses will hamper their child development. A child needs continuous support/ guidance from his or her parents. Specially, children below two years and the children who need special care. On the other hand, UN mission and many foreign courses are one year duration. Therefore, selection of both the officers for foreign employments will create a difficult situation in regard to childcare FGD (2018). However, the authority always try not to nominate both the officers at a time for foreign employment or military course Naval (2018).        

 

4.8. LACK OF SUITABLE CHILD CARE SYSTEM

A female officer gets six months maternity leave. After that, she needs to depend on others for her childcare. During survey the researcher got the following dependency picture from 60 officers:

Chart 6

                                        

Chart 6 Dependency of Dual Military Couples Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

An well-organized childcare center has been identified as one of the vital requirements in our society. Absence of a suitable childcare centre forced dual military couples to depend on others, especially maid servants. The survey result on suitable childcare system is also shown below:

Chart 7

                                                                          

Chart 7 Lack of Suitable Child Care System Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

 

All the respondents (100%) strongly believe that all the garrisons or bases should have a well-established childcare centre. Nowadays, the family structure of our society has changed. Most of the families have become nucleus family (Professor Afzal Hossain, 2018). At the same time, dual military couple in our military need to go to office at the same time. Bhuiyan and Faisal (2020) Therefore, a well-established childcare system is a present time requirement. Unfortunately, there is no childcare centre in air force (Wing Commander Zakir, 2018). On the other hand, number of well-established childcare centre is also inadequate in Army and Navy. The number of established childcare centre in three services are given below:

Table 4

Table 4 Avability Of Child Care Center
Name of the Services	Number of Child Care Center
Army	3
Navy	2
Air Force	-

 

4.9. LESS FLEXIBLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN UNIT/ BA

The survey on less flexible working environment gives the following result:

Chart 8

                                                                          

Chart 8 Less Flexible Working Environment in Unit/ Base Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Majority of the respondents agree that working environment of the units/ bases is still less flexible for the female to provide motherly privilege. However, 30% of the respondents are not fully agree with this point. At present, women are more interested to get themselves involve in job market. Bhuiyan and Majidul (2021) Thereby, our society is also in a transition period of women empowerment in all the sectors Hossain (2018). Bangladesh armed forces is inducting female officers from 2000. However, few personnel of the units/ bases are still irrational to show sympathy to women's natural limitations FGD (2018).

 

 

4.10. IRRATIONAL EMPLOYMENT OF FEMALE OFFICER DURING PREGNANCY PERIOD/ IN EARLY AGE OF THE CHILDREN

Pregnancy period or the early age of the children is very crucial time for both mother and the children. The survey result on irrational employment of female officers are shown below:

 

5. AFFECTS OF CHILD CARE COMPLICACY ON CHILDREN

5.1. Lack of Bondage Between Parents and The

ChilD 

During survey out of 60 officers, 54 officers gave their consent that there is a lack of mental attachment with their children. The survey result on this issue is shown below:

 

Chart 9

                                                                            

Chart 9 Lack of Bondage Between Parents and The Child Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

The survey result shows that majority of the officers are agreed that there is a lack of bondage between children and parents due to childcare complicacy. The following diagram also explain how family relationships or bondage effects on mental health:

Chart 10

                                                                         

Chart 10 Family Relationship Effect on Child Health Source: www.kidsmatter.edu.au/mental-health-matters

 

A dual military couple needs to remain busy from early in the morning to till night due to various service requirements. At the same time, frequent posting in separate garrisons, UN mission, military courses etcetera are keeping parents away from their child for longer period of time FGD (2018). Hence, the attachment between the child and the mother will gradually decrease and the gap will increase. Sayeed (2014). Thereby, these children are deprived from their desired parental touch. They have lacking in strong bondage with their parents. Therefore, these children mentally remain away from their parents Akter (2018).

 

5.2. DEPRIVED OF MUCH NEEDED TIME FROM PARENTS 

The survey result on this aspect is as follows:

Chart 11

                                                                            

Chart 11 Deprived of Much Needed Time from Parents Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Almost all the respondents think that children of dual military couples are deprived of their much-needed time from their parents. Parents are the closest person to a child. Children try to communicate with their parents for their needs from the very initial stage of their birth. The absence of parents' supervision may lead to child crime like addiction of drugs Hossain (2018).

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

An statistics on children's drug addiction is shown below:

Chart 12

                                                                             

Chart 12 Drug Addiction by The Children Source:http://www.assignmentpoint.com/science/medical/drugaddiction.html

 

However, it is very difficult for a dual military couple to provide adequate time to their child for their profession activities. Moreover, absence of motherly privilege in unit, irrational employment of female officers, night office trend, and lack of childcare facilities in the unit are also keeping parents away from their children for longer period of time FGD (2018). Therefore, children are not getting adequate quality time from their parents.

 

5.3. SPENDING MORE TIME WITH MAID SERVANTS

The survey result on reliability on maid servant is given below:

Chart 13

                                                                        

Chart 13 Spending More Time with Peers/ Maid Servants Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Most of the respondents are agreed on this point that their children have to spend much their time with peers or maid servants. At present, most of the families are nucleus families Afsana (2014). Thereby, nowadays it is very difficult to get the support of close relatives for the children. Though few of the dual military couples could manage continuous from their parents, mostly they have to depends on maid servants FGD (2018).  The scenario is as follow:

Chart 14

 

Chart 14 Dependency for Child Care Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Parents who need to rely on the maids for childcare feel anxiety about the negligence of the maids in handling the children Hedayet (2017). Moreover, the children are not getting the proper care that they badly need in their initial stage of life. At the same time, children are not secured in those servants' hand. So, the proper grooming up of the a child is not ensured shamim (2018).

 

5.4. INADEQUATE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT 

The survey result on the effect of physical development is shown below:

Chart 15                      

Chart 15 Inadequate Physical Development Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Result

 

Majority of the dual military couples think that challenges of childcare deter the physical development of the children. However, few officers (22%) disagree with that. A mother needs extreme physical care from the very beginning of the pregnancy period Bhuiyan and Majidul (2021) On the other hand, female officers get six months maternity leave as per existing policy. After that they get less time to take care of their child. Again, All the respondents think that personnel working in childcare centers do not have adequate training on childcare. Thereby these childcare centers are not reliable FGD (2018). The survey result on this issue is as follows.

Chart 16

 

Chart 16 Adequency and Reliability of Child Care Centers Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Moreover, there is no provision of motherly privilege for woman in our military services during office time. Therefore, a child remains away from the support of his mother for a long time. This creates resistance to the adequate physical development of the children. However, few commanding officers give this privilege in his own jurisdiction Secretary (2018).

 

5.5. INADEQUATE PSYCHOLOGICAL GROWTH 

The survey report on inadequacy of psychotically growth is shown below:

Chart 17

                                                                          

Chart 17 Inadequate Psychological Growth Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Majority of the respondents (82%) feels that due to various childcare limitations of dual military couples, children are highly deprived of parental support. At the same time, their psychological growth is inadequate. A child is a quick learner and learns from his surroundings.  Most of the things they learn from their families, specially from their parents hossain (2018). On the other hand, dual military can give less time to their children. They grow up either with their grandparents, and mostly with the maid servants. Thereby, they are learning most of the behaviour from those illiterate maid servants. In result, their psychological growth is not as per the expect level FGD (2018).

 

5.6. INADEQUATE SENSE OF SOCIAL VALUES, TRADITIONS, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

There are five core issues for learning social values and responsibilities. those are shown in following diagram:

 

 

 

 

 

Chart 18

                                                                            

Chart 18 Core Issues of Social Values and Responsibilities Source: www.kidsmatter.edu.au/mental-health-matters

 

The distance between parents and children creates a vacuum of understanding social responsibility. The survey result on this issue is given below:

Chart 19

                                                                            

Chart 19 Inadequate Sense of Social Values, Traditions, And Responsibilities Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Bulk of the officers agree that due to inadequate childcare of dual military couples, their children are not learning sense of social values, traditions, and responsibilities. Every military service has a very rich and traditional history. A the same time, our society has some very unique sociological and religious tradition. These norms and traditions are taught to the children through various activities of children clubs and social gathering Forhad (2018). Unfortunately, due to huge workloads dual military couples get very less time to take their children-to-children club or social programs. On the other hand, most of the children are growing up with the maid servant. Therefore, these children have lack of sense of social values, traditions, and social responsibilities Shamim (2018).

 

5.7. MORE ATTRACTION TO ELECTRONIC GADGETS

The survey result on fascination to electronic gadgets is given below:

Chart 20

                                                                            

Chart 20 More Attraction to Electronic Gadgets Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

All most all the participants agree that their children are more biased to electronic gadgets due to failure of providing adequate time to their children. A statistics has shown the use of electronic gadgets by the children when parents are absent.

                                                                       INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

Chart 21

                                                                            

Chart 21 Frequency of Use of Electronic Gadgets by Children Source: Michel Cohen Group, 2014

 

 Since both the military parents have to remain busy therefore their children spend much of their time with electronic gadgets. At the same time, maid servant also try to keep the child engaged with television so that the child remains calm and does not feel the absence of the parents Sayeed (2014).  Thereby, children become addicted to these electronic equipment’s. This addiction is not only hampering their psychological growth, but also creating various health hazard for the children.  hossain (2018).

 

5.8. FAULTY LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT

The survey report on this issue is given below:

Chart 22

                                                                            

Chart 22 Faulty Language Development Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

The survey report reflects that bulk of the officers think less interaction with parents and more reliability on maid servant teaches faulty language to the children. Children learn to speak by listening to others. They mainly follow their parents to learn talking and speaking. But once the child is spending most of the days’ time with maid servant, he will pick the language the servant speaks. Even the language development of the child may be delayed Sayeed (2014).

 

6. AFFECTS OF CHILD CARE COMPLICACY ON DUAL MILITARY COUPLES

6.1. SINGLE PARENTING

Childcare problems create multidimensional complex situation for dual military couples. single parenting is one of them. The survey result on this issue is given below:

 

 

 

 

 

Chart 23

                                                                             

Chart 23 Single Parenting Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

The survey result shows that bulk of the dual military couples think that due to numerous childcare challenges, they become single parent. Thereby, difficulties regarding child development are also increased. When the couples have children but are not co- located, the female in the couple usually kept the children and thus, in essence, she becomes a single parent. A single parent who is also serving in military organization, has to undergo lot of trouble in managing his or her children Steinberg (1993).

 

6.2. FAMILY INSTABILITY AND INCREASE RATE OF DIVORCE. THE SURVEY RESULT IS SHOWN BELOW

Chart 24

                                                                         

Chart 24 Family Instability and Increase Rate of Divorce Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Majority of the dual military couples think that childcare complicacy is one of the prime causes for family instability and increase rate of divorce in dual military couples' life. It is pointed to note that 20% of the officers don't agree with this point. Occupational stress, due to inter alia long working hours and undesirable working conditions may contribute to an escalation in marital conflict and arguments. Smit (2000) The dual-earner families - encounter additional stress to look after the home affairs. This may work as a catalyst to aggravate any turmoil in a spousal relationship Hedayet (2017). However, few opine that childcare complicacy may increase family instability but don't create situation like divorce Forhad (2018).

 

6.3. DEPRESSION                      

The survey result on depression issue is given below:

Chart 25

                                                                           

Chart 25 Depression Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Majority of the dual military officers think that many officers suffer from depression due to lack of providing proper care to their children. Children are most valuable thing for all the parents. They can sacrifice anything in this world for their children. Dual military couples face lot of difficulties to provide required support to their children due to their service pattern. This creates depression for parents. Sometimes this depression reaches such a stage that they need medical attention. Naturally, female officers are the most sufferer of depression for this childcare complicacy parents Akter (2018).

 

6.4. REDUCTION OF PROFESSIONAL EFFICIENCY        

The survey result on this issue is given below:

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

 

 

 

Chart 26

                                                                         

Chart 26 Reduction of Professional Efficiency Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Bulk of the dual military couples think that childcare complicacy acts as a barrier to their professional life. Therefore, their professional efficiency also goes down. Every officer starts their professional life with lot of hopes, zeal, and enthusiasm. Specially, a bachelor officer or a married officer without child can give lot of time to unit affairs. On the other hand, a couple with child need to divert their maximum attention to the child. naturally, there professional efficiency goes down Sharif (2018). Again, commanding officer writes officer's performance report (OPR) based on performance, unit involvement, and dedication to service. Thereby, those dual couples get less mark in officers performance report Khair (2018).

 

6.5. TENDENCY OF LEAVING JOB

The survey result regarding this issue is given below:

Chart 27

                                                                         

Chart 27 Tendency of Leaving Job Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Bulk of the respondents have agreed that difficulties in child management is one of the major reasons to leave military profession. In absence of both parents, child’s safety remains as a matter of concern to any dual-career family. Parents who need to rely on the maids for childcare feel anxiety about the negligence of the maids in handling the children Hedayet (2017). Concern about children also include the lack of quality time with family and being a absentee parent because of job/ time demands of the army career. This also a reason to leave promotable female officers to leave army Steinberg (1993).

 

6.6. REDUCTION OF AFFILIATION WITH COLLEAGUES     

The survey result on this topic is as follows:

Chart 28

                                                                            

Chart 28 Reduction of Affiliation with Colleagues Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

The survey result indicates maximum officers feel that their relation with colleagues has reduced due to childcare problem. However, 18% officers have expressed opposite view about this issue. Teamwork or comradeship is key to success for any origination. Specially, colleagues need to have very good understanding among themselves in our military services. It is very difficult to accomplish any task successfully without wholehearted support from the colleagues and the under command Zaman et al. (2016). On the other hand, dual military couples with childcare complicacy need to split their devotion for both profession and children. Thereby, affiliation with colleagues is also reduced FGD (2018).

 

6.7. MORE RELIANCE ON MAID SERVANTS

The survey result on this issue is given below:

 

 

 

Chart 29

                                                                           

Chart 29 More Reliance on Maid Servants Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Bulk of the dual military couples think that they have to rely on maid servants to look after their children. The family pattern of urban area in Bangladesh is changing. Day by day we are moving towards more nuclear family system. The nuclear families still depend on childcare by grandparents and other relatives whereas a large portion takes the assistance of house maids which poses strong safety hazards Afsana (2014). 

 

6.8. Need To Seek More Help From Parents And Peer    

The survey result on this issue is given below:

Chart 30

                                                                          

Chart 30 Need to Seek More Help from Parents and Peers Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

The survey result shows that almost all the respondents are agreed up on this point that they need to seek help from their parents/ peers due to their limitations of childcare. There are very few childcare centers are functional in our military services.  Many cantonments/ bases do not any childcare center. Again, these existing childcare centers are operating only up to office hours. The childcare center personnel also do not have any childcare related training. Sharmin (2018). Most of the maid servants are unreliable. Therefore, couples remain anxious to keep their children with maids. The scenario is as fol:

Chart 31

                                                                            

Chart 31 State of Reliable Maid Servant Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Again, due to lack of suitable childcare center dual military officers need to seek assistance from their parents for quite a long period. However, many parents are still continuing with their own jobs. In result, it creates administrative problems for both dual military couples and for their parents FGD (2018).

INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

6.9. PURSUANCE OF POSTING.         

The survey result in this regard is as follows:

Chart 32

                                                                            

Chart 32 Pursuance of Posting Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Maximum dual military couples have given positive answer that they have to pursue for their posting in same garrison/ area to reduce childcare complicacy. Childcare most notably affects the retention rate of dual military couples because maintaining the appropriate level of care becomes cumbersome to manage when both of parents are separately deployed Mixon (2013). In order to avoid single parenting and to ensure better grooming up of their child many of the dual military couples have to pursue for their posting FGD (2018).

 

7. POSSIBLE MEASURES TO REDUCE CHILD CARE PROBLEMS

7.1. PREPARING JOINT SERVICES POLICIES FOR DUAL MILITARY COUPLES

The number of families, where both husband and wife are working, are increasing day by day. This picture has come out in research done by D’vera Cohn and Wendy Wang of PEW research center April (2014). The diagrams are given below:

Chart 33

                                                                             

Chart 33 Changing Patern of Family Source:  http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/04/08

 

The number of dual military couples getting married to other service personnel are also increasing day by day. Unfortunately, there is no joint services policy. The urgency of such policy is reflected in following survey result:

 Chart 34

                                                                            

Chart 34 Preparation of Joint Services Policies Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Majority of officers have agreed that joint services policies will help both services head quarter and the military couples to take necessary steps to adjust their family requirements. Thereby, child development can be ensured to a great extent. This is a difficult task to formulate such policies due to various service requirements. However, there should have at least some guidelines for these couples. This will help the service headquarters also to adjust any difficulties related to them. Secretary (2018). The number of officers marring in sister services are increasing day by day. Unfortunately, there is no joint service policies for them FGD (2018).  In present day context, time has come to formulate some inter services policies to provide required support to dual military couples Khair (2018).

 

7.2. EMPLOYMENT POLICY FOR FEMALE OFFICERS DURING PREGNANCY PERIOD

Though Bangladesh Army has the policy for employment of female officers during pregnancy, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air force do not have any policy like that. During survey, 87% officers think that absence of such policy compel them to do tasks which are harmful for the upcoming children. The survey result related to formulation of such policy is given below:

Chart 35

                                                                           

Chart 35 Employment Policy for Female Officers During Pregnancy Period Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

The survey result shows that 90% officers are strongly agreed that there should be a standard policy for the employment of pregnant female officers. This will protect them from any unwanted accident. Unfortunately, only Army has employment policy for the pregnant female officers among the tri services. This sort of policy will provide required health security to the female officers FGD (2018). Pregnancy period in a very crucial stage for every female. Nowadays, many of the female officers are struggling to have child due to pregnancy related complicacy. Therefore, they need extra support from the units/ bases during pregnancy period Akter (2018).

                                                                       INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

 

7.3. NOT TO NOMINATE FOR COURSES / FOREIGN ASSIGNMENT AT THE SAME TIME

The survey result on this matter is given below:

Chart 36

                                                                          

Chart 36 Not to Nominate for Courses / Foreign Assignment at The Same Time Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

The survey result shows that majority of the officers think both the parents should not be selected for UN mission or any foreign assignment at the same time. However, 24% of the officers do not agree on this point. On the other hand, services HQ try not to send both officers for foreign assignments. Nevertheless, regular coordination among the services on this issue is yet to be regulated. Secretary (2018). Parental absence is detrimental to the cognitive, emotional, social, and psychological development of the children Sayeed (2014). Parents are the closest friends to the children. Nobody understands a child more than his parents. Thereby, absent of both the parent at the same time creates a huge psychological effect on children. At the same time, parents also remain anxious for the safety and security of the children FGD (2018).

 

7.4. WELL-ORGANIZED CHILD-CARE CENTRE (DAY AND NIGHT) IN ALL GARRISONS/ BASES

           The survey result on this aspect is given below:

Chart 37

                                                                         

Chart 37 Well-Organized Child-Care Centre Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

All the respondents recognized that a well-organized childcare center could play a big role to resolve their childcare problems. Government should take immediate step to establish sufficient number of day cares both organization and community level. There should be transport facility included in the day care service, so that they can pick up and drop the children Afsana (2014). A study shows that young children benefit from formal childcare (i.e., day care center). Cognitive and language development improve with amount of time (i.e., months) in day care centers. This effect remains later into childhood. This suggests that children at day care centers receive advantages over home care children that remain over time Hedayet (2017).

 

7.5. REDUCTION OF NIGHT OFFICE TREND      

The outcome of the survey regarding reduction of night office is appended below:

Chart 38

                                                                            

Chart 38 Reduction of Night Office Trend Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

The survey result shows that majority of the officers are agreed that reduction of night office trend will help them to take care of their children. Moreover, officers will be able to maintain a healthy family life. Nowadays, most of the officers need to do night office in the unit/base. Thereby, there is hardly any scope to give time to family in a day. Specially, children are highly deprived of parental affection. Moreover, this absence in days together also creating problem in officers' personal life. Therefore, this night office trend should be reduced FGD (2018). Everyone should have some time for his or her family. An organized unit can very well manage its tasks within office hour. At the same time, there should have some facilities for the children to stay in office premises if the officers need to come at night Ali (2018).

 

7.6. PROVIDING MOTHERLY PRIVILEGE FOR TO THE FEMALE OFFICERS TWO YEARS AFTER CHILD'S BIRTH DURING OFFICE TIME.     

The survey report on this matter is given below:

 Chart 39

                                                                            

Chart 39 Providing Motherly Privilege for Two Years Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Almost all the respondents think that units should provide motherly privilege to the female officers for two years during office time. This will definitely facilitates the physical and psychological growth of a child. A healthy children is an asset for a country. A mother should be given with minimum one hour break during office hour to take care of the child.  This motherly privilege should be viewed from a broader aspect, not as providing benefit to an individual one FGD (2018). Motherly privilege is a requirement for proper child development. Every commanding officer/ officer commanding should consider it in sympathetic ground Air (2018).

 

7.7. REGULAR MOTIVATIONAL CLASS IN UNIT/ BASE   

Response of dual military couples is shown below:

Chart 40

                                                                           

Chart 40 Regular Motivational Class in Unit/ Base Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Bulks of the respondents feel that regular motivational class can reduce mental stress of the dual military couples. it is also helpful to get required guidelines from others to sustain in critical stage of their life. On the other hand, 26% officers have shown neutral view on this regard. at the same time 8% officers do not agree with this proposal. Childcare complicacy is a huge mental stress for the dual military couples. Sometimes it also creates family crisis like divorce. Thereby, some motivational classes should be taken monthly/ quarterly in the unit/ formation by commanding officers or by psychologists Shamim (2018). Bases/ units should conduct motivational class on family matters. This will not only provide metal support to the affected officers, but helpful to maintain healthy environment among the officers Zaman et al. (2016)

 

7.8. PROVISION OF MAID SERVANT CENTRALLY BY SENAKOLLANSOMITI (SKS)/ STATION HQS IN CANTONMENTS/ BASES         

The survey result on this welfare issue is given below:

Chart 41

                                                                          

Chart 41 Provision of Maid Servant Centrally Source: Researcher’s Construct Based on Survey Results

 

Majority of the officers have agreed that provision of maid servant centrally by SKS/ station HQ will ease up childcare problems. Most importantly, security of the children can be ensured to a great extent. Alongside the childcare activities, a paid domestic worker may lighten the burden regarding time consuming domestic task obligations in the dual-earner household Smit (2000). The military welfare organization like ‘SenaKalyanSangstha’ may provide maids to the military families, who are unable to manage by themselves. As a matter of fact, there are numerous maid agencies already functioning in the major cities of the country to provide quality maid service to the families. Such service if managed by the organization is likely to reduce the security hazards related to the maids Hedayet (2017). Bangladesh Navy is providing servants centrally for the bachelor mess members. The welfare organizations/ base HQs/ station HQs can take initiative to arrange maid servants centrally in the cantonments/ bases. This will help not only the dual military couples, but also the officers having working wives in other government or private organizations Secretary (2018).

 

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

None. 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

None.

 

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