Yes, it is hard for a soldier to be away and have contact with their loved ones, purely because they miss them so much and those feeling often interrupt their own personal approach within such an operational environment. Trust me, first hand experience. I hated having to speak with family so far away, because it messed with me which I could not focus purely on the job and situation at hand. I wanted to get home in one piece, though by doing so you also risk losing what you have at home at the same time. No win as far as he will see it in his mind.