the Military Family Research Insitute
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From boots on the ground to family bonds, your deployment story will help shape the future of military family support.

The Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University is conducting Operation Military Experience, a nationwide study to capture the diverse experiences of families who faced parental deployment. We’re recruiting families with two adolescents who both experienced the deployment of a parent after 9/11 when they were younger.

Whether you wore the uniform, managed the household in your partner’s absence or shared early experiences of a deployed parent with a sibling, your story is important. Your participation will help us understand the impact of military service on parents and children, influencing future support programs for families like yours.

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Service Members

Did you answer the call to serve? We want to hear your story.

How did you manage communications and shared routines? What kinds of impacts did your deployment have on your family? What it was like to return home?

Your insights will help us build stronger support systems for service members and their families, ensuring a smoother path for future deployments.

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Adolescents

Did you grow up with a mom or dad who deployed when you were young? Even if you don’t remember much about that time, your unique perspective matters.

We want to hear what it was like for you and your family. Your experiences will help military families navigate the challenges of deployment and reintegration in the future.

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Spouses and Partners

Did you hold down the fort at home when your spouse or partner was deployed? Tell us your story.

How did you manage deployments and family life? What did you learn about yourself and your strengths? Your insights will guide us towards stronger support systems for military families.

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Ready to share your story?

Join Operation Military Experience and:

  • Make a difference. Your confidential story will help organizations like ours build a stronger future for military families.
  • Get rewarded. Your family will be compensated for your time.
  • Be a part of history. Contribute to a groundbreaking study that will benefit countless families.
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Join Operation Military Experience!

Together, let’s build a strong future for military families.

Share Your Experience