The effects of long-term separation from both parents (or a child's only parent) are themselves deeply traumatic. It is an immense, unremarked toll of suffering that children are being asked to pay.
Here's my question: Why? If it were necessary, then of course, it would be different. If it were necessary, toss me an AK-47 and I would figure out what to do with it. But is it necessary? Are we as a nation in such desperate straits that we must ask single moms to fight and die for our country? Do we feel good about asking Kody and thousands of other young kids to risk both of their parents, or their only parent, for us?
And if it is not necessary, is it even a civilized thing to do? Yes, I know, these women all volunteered. Recruited under slogans like, Join the Army, Be a Journalist! But still, by the strict demands of contractual morality we may be justified at holding these mothers to their word.
That these women are bravely willing to live up to their commitments, I do not doubt. Their willingness to serve is commendable. Can we say the same about our automatic willingness to order Kody's mom, and thousands like her, into harm's way?