Reunion and Reintegration

This is when service members return home, complete post-deployment recovery and administrative requirements and reintegrate into home station life. In this section you can find:

  • An overview of the five stages of reunion/reintegration
  • A printable list of tasks and considerations
  • Tips for creating a new family normal and helping children adjust
  • Mental health resources

ARTICLES

Two female soldiers talking at café
Mental Health After Deployment: What to Know and Where to Get Help

Returning home from deployment can be challenging in a variety of ways for service members. Not only will they be adjusting to a new routine, but they may also be wrestling with strong feelings of fear, sadness or helplessness from their experiences while deployed. While some combat and operational stress reactions are common and heal with time, others may require professional attention. By recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to get help, you and your service member can become more resilient in the face of reintegration challenges.

Father reunites with family
What to Expect: An Overview of Reunion and Reintegration

Deployment is coming to an end, and service members are finally heading home. Next comes the reunion and reintegration phase. There are five key stages within reunion and reintegration. Learn about the timeline and what you may expect during each stage.

Mother greeting son
Creating a New Normal as a Family

Even if your family has experienced deployment before, this time things may be different.  Things may have changed, and it’s okay if you’re not able to go back to how things used to be, before the deployment.   Focus on how you can make things comfortable and normal for the family.

Happy father and son reuniting
Five Tips to Support Children During Reintegration

Returning home after deployment is exciting, but it can also be an adjustment for you and your loved ones. For children in particular, it may be emotional or confusing. To help your children with the transition, it’s important to develop a plan that’s personalized for their age, level of understanding and development stage.

Father helping son paint project
Returning to Your New Normal

Coming home may seem like a big adjustment. Your family and loved ones may be different than before deployment, and you might have changed too. It’s common to feel overwhelmed with the changes you’re facing. Here are some things to consider that may help as you return to your new normal.

Two female soldiers talking at café
Mental Health After Deployment: What to Know and Where to Get Help

Returning home from deployment can be challenging in a variety of ways for service members. Not only will they be adjusting to a new routine, but they may also be wrestling with strong feelings of fear, sadness or helplessness from their experiences while deployed. While some combat and operational stress reactions are common and heal with time, others may require professional attention. By recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to get help, you and your service member can become more resilient in the face of reintegration challenges.

Father reunites with family
What to Expect: An Overview of Reunion and Reintegration

Deployment is coming to an end, and service members are finally heading home. Next comes the reunion and reintegration phase. There are five key stages within reunion and reintegration. Learn about the timeline and what you may expect during each stage.

Man carrying lumber
National Guard and Reserves: Things to Know About Reintegration

As you may remember from pre-deployment, the deployment cycle is a little different for National Guard and reserve service members. Shortly after returning, you will demobilize and your unit will deactivate — at which time you will no longer be serving on active duty. Once you’re home, keep the following in mind while returning to civilian life.

Happy father and son reuniting
Five Tips to Support Children During Reintegration

Returning home after deployment is exciting, but it can also be an adjustment for you and your loved ones. For children in particular, it may be emotional or confusing. To help your children with the transition, it’s important to develop a plan that’s personalized for their age, level of understanding and development stage.

Personal Budgeting items
Revisiting Personal Affairs

Before deploying, you took steps to make sure everything was squared away legally, financially and medically for you and your loved ones. Now that you’ve returned, it’s time to revisit your personal and administrative affairs. Review the following suggestions regarding your personal affairs to make sure all is in order upon your return.

Tasks & Considerations

Tasks & Considerations

RESOURCES

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