This is a time of internal conflict for the troops because, while they are excited for the opportunity to do what they have trained for and are motivated by a sense of patriotic duty, they also struggle with leaving their friends and families behind. However, regardless of the feelings these soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors are experiencing, many of them adopt the attitude of “this is how it is, so let’s get on with it” (Slone & Friedman, 2008, p. 6). During this time of emotional turmoil, it is recommended by the authors, that a household management plan be created in preparation for what will happen during this long period of separation. This plan should include the updating of legal documents (e.g. wills, powers of attorney, a health care proxy), pet care, educational needs (e.g. determining whether or not their tuition needs to be paid for or financial forms need to be filled out), financial affairs (e.g. how the bills should be managed), childcare (e.g. discipline strategies, what their routines are, contingency plans for taking care of them when something unexpected happens) and household responsibilities (the day-to-day of household maintenance, how routine tasks are to be performed throughout the