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Plan My Deployment

Pre-Deployment

Preparing as a Family
Supporting Kids During Deployment
Helping Children Prepare for Deployment
Financial Matters: Five Steps to Take Before Deployment
Getting and Staying Connected with the Military Community
Legal Matters: Steps to Take Before Deployment
Deployment Overview
National Guard and Reserves: Things to Know about Deployment

Deployment

Practicing Mindfulness During Deployment
Staying Connected with Your Loved Ones During Deployment
Six Ways to Stay Informed During Deployment
Deployment Extensions
Making the Most of Rest and Recuperation Leave
Planning for a Successful Reunion and Reintegration
What’s Next? Deployment Tips for Loved Ones
In Case of Emergency: Be Prepared
Staying Connected with Your Service Member During Deployment
Supporting Kids During Deployment

Reunion and Reintegration

Returning to Your New Normal
What to Expect: An Overview of Reunion and Reintegration
Mental Health After Deployment: What to Know and Where to Get Help
Reintegration Tips for Single Service Members
Creating a New Normal as a Family
Revisiting Personal Affairs
National Guard and Reserves: Things to Know About Reintegration
Five Tips to Support Children During Reintegration

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Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues during reintegration, contact the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, then press 1, or access online chat by texting 838255.

Financial Affairs and Spending

In light of celebrating your reunion and changes in your income, be careful not to overspend — instead, think about ways to save for the future. Review your Leave and Earnings Statement using MyPay and consider creating a new budget. Take advantage of available (and free) support programs for help with finances and budgeting.

Know what to expect if you’re entering an institution of higher education, especially if you are a National Guard or reserve service member. Educational benefits may be available to you — now is a great time to think about your future, and what you can do to get there. Read this article or visit vets.gov to learn more.

Veteran Benefits

As a veteran or family member, you may be eligible for a wide range of benefits and entitlements including disability, home loans, health care or pension. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on the different programs, eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Communication and Sharing

Talking about what happened during deployment can be hard to navigate. Service members may not want to, or be able to, discuss some details of deployment, and loved ones may struggle with hearing this information. While open and honest conversation is important, be patient with each other and only discuss what you are comfortable sharing. For a refresher on what can be shared, reference operations security guidelines as necessary.

Legal and Administrative Affairs

Now that everyone is home, it’s a good idea to revisit the legal and administrative documents you prepared before deployment. Most likely some changes have taken place since then, so consider updating documents like powers of attorney, wills, life insurance beneficiaries, your family care plan and emergency assistance pre-authorizations. You may also need to verify your family’s information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS.

Help and Non-medical Counseling

Sometimes strength means asking for help. Military OneSource connects you – or immediate family members – to that needed help. Contact Military OneSource for free, 24/7, confidential and non-medical counseling for service members and families.

If you’re a National Guard or reserve service member, returning to the civilian work force is part of reintegration. Know your protections under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Reunion Expectations

Reunion is an exciting time— be careful about setting unrealistic expectations. Things typically don’t get back to normal right away, and that is OK.

Family Activities

As you and your loved ones adjust to being together again, some of the activities you enjoyed together may no longer feel like a perfect fit. As you establish a new normal as a family, consider a mix of old and new – it might help to try new routines, pick up new hobbies or establish new traditions with family, friends and loved ones.

Household Changes

Your household may operate a little differently now that deployment is over — that’s to be expected. Focus on creating a “new normal” for yourself and together with family and loved ones. Discuss expectations around chores and responsibilities with a fresh perspective. If you have children, check out Five Tips to Support Children During Reintegration.

Shortly after returning, service members will have a variety of options for taking some well-deserved leave. Learn more about the different leave options, like special leave accrual, post deployment/mobilization respite absence or block leave, here.

Health Assessments

A series of health assessments may be required once you return from deployment, including the Post-Deployment Health Assessment, a face-to-face health assessment and the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment. Learn more here.

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