Abstract: This research focuses on the place of soldiers' families and family life while on deployment, using the case of Ghana's regular deployments to international peacekeeping missions. We advance the concept of a "military surrogate" to explain the ways in which military hierarchy temporarily take on family roles when a soldier is deployed. This involves intervening in issues related to military spouses, troublesome children, and resolving financial matters. We argue that filling the role as a "surrogate" family member is used by the command both as a way to support deployed soldiers but also as a way to shape behaviors. This phenomenon demonstrates ways that discipline and conformity to military norms work through families and the openings that are left during deployments. We also highlight the ways this process shapes peer bonding, often building peer-to-peer relationships as an attempt to prevent involvement by senior command in their family affairs.