Ericka, I am married and I am also serving in the Marine Corps. My wife and I were married 6 months when I decided to join. We dont have children yet so I cant really give you advise on that area but maybe my situation can help. It was tough, and I was like your husband, needing a skill and a dirrection in life, I really didnt take time out to look at what this would do to our marrige in the long run, selfish on my part but fortunatly it worked out. I am lucky enough to be married to a wonderful wife who puts up with my screw-ups and gives me encouragment. We were separated for almost a year b/c I was injured in training and that set us back some time. The Marine Corps has taken care of us in many ways, I now have certifications in the Telecommunication field that would have cost me thousands to earn. I go to College in the afternoon soon to get my Associates and it is free. My wife and I live on base rent free no utillities, she is a teacher and both of our paychecks go straight to the bank in future hopes of buying a house when I get out. My skill will turn into an awsome career when I get out. I cant complain about our situation and now that we are together she has no complaints. The hardest part was being away from her, there was nothing other than my faith in God that helped me through it. Yes, it will be hard and yes there are times when I second guessed my oun decision to join but it all worked out in the end. I told my wife before I left if she wanted me to stay and not join ,I would, at that moment if she would have told me not to go I would have stayed. She later told me that wanted to say stay but she supported my decision and didnt want to stand in the way of something that I was so passionate about doing. I will pray that your situation will turn out fine, you seem to be a concerned parent who loves her child and only wants the best for her. I have nothin but respect for all women who care for their children. I was raised by my Father and had a mother who could care less about me.The last time we spoke was when I was 5. My father is an awsome Man and my best friend at that. If you continue to be a loving mother and continue to be her world she will be fine and the both of you, in turn ,will come closer than ever.