How to deal with seperation in the ARMY?

My boyfriend and I have been together for 4 years. He recently joined the army in August 2008. It was hard on me while he was in basic but being able to see him on graduation and also during christmas while he is in ait made it a little bit better. He is graduating next week and we have plans of getting married. Here lately its been puting a strain on our relationship. I try to understand that he is in the ARMY and I come 2nd. We talked about our relationship and we felt as though we were going to loose each other. But he said it would get better when we get to see each before he goes to Camp Casey and hopefully if I do get orders to go over there. Also that would try to cope with things because this is all new to the both of us. We didnt realize it woud be this hard. Im just wondering how do you as army wives deal with it? Also how was it when your partner had just joined the army? Basic, AIT and when he did go overseas?