American Military Couples Log High Divorce Rate

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Stress of being separated by two ongoing wars the United States is participating in has taken its toll on military marriages which hit a 16-year high divorce rate.

According to Pentagon, the divorce rate rose to 3.5 percent among the 287,000 married American soldiers, up from 3.3 percent recorded the previous fiscal year which ends Sept. 30. At that rate, it means there were 10,200 divorced couples in active Army duty and 3,077 among Marines.

Army spokesman Paul Boyce explained to the Washington Post, "With increasing demands placed on Army families and soldiers - including frequent deployments and relocations - intimate relationships are tested."

Marine spokesman Col. Dave Lapan said the military leadership is paying serious attention to the strain on marriages caused by frequent separations due to deployments to different posts.

The Pentagon data lists only couples who divorced while in active service. If those who separated after they left the military service is counted, the divorce rate may actually be higher. Veterans also pointed out it excluded strained marriages.