Be realistic about communications.
While many bases offer units the ability to get on the Internet, use the phone, and so forth, not all of them do. For that reason, it's important to understand that your spouse or loved one might not be able to call or email you every day. Knowing this will keep you from worrying too much and helps to keep trust strong.

If your loved one is sporadic in his or her communication, be careful not to get angry or annoyed. Chances are they are doing the best they can with a stressful situation. So a little understanding will go a long way.

Send care packages.
Everyone loves to get packages, and this is especially true for those who are far from the comforts and conveniences of home. Send little care packages of treats they will like or can't get while they are gone. Pictures are always good to send too; many people email pictures, but a printed out photograph is good because your troop can frame it or put it up where he can see it always.

Share everyday things.
You may think that your spouse or loved one doesn't want to hear about the everyday mundane happenings in your life while he or she is gone (you found great shoes on sale, you met your new neighbors, etc.), but sharing these things helps to keep your relationship strong as it allows your loved one who is gone to feel closer to you, or like he or she is there experiencing the things that made up your life together.

Set aside a time to write.
Emails are great--they get there right away and allow you to communicate daily with your loved one. However, handwritten letters are also meaningful and provide a tangible reminder of your love. Set aside a time each week to sit down and write to your spouse or loved one as a family. Have the kids color pictures or write what they can, and mail them together. Encourage extended family members to write as well.

Experiment with different methods of communication.
Technology has made communicating easier than ever, so take advantage of the many options available to you. Webcams allow you to see and hear each other at the same time and are a popular option for deployed family members. There is also online chatting, social networking, email, phone calls, and more. Try them all and decide what works best for you.

Be understanding.
Many members of the military say it is impossible to know what a deployment is really like unless you experience it for yourself. Be understanding before and after the deployment as your spouse adjusts to getting ready to leave and then settling back into life. This will help keep your relationship strong.

Being separated from your loved one during a military assignment can be difficult, but these tips will help you keep your relationship strong.