Deployment Information and Resources - Plan My Deployment (2024)

During deployment, service members and their families and loved ones may face challenges of being separated. It’s especially important to maintain routines, find ways to communicate and stay physically and emotional healthy. Here, you’ll find articles and resources relevant to service members, family members and loved ones. You can also select and print a list of deployment tasks and considerations.

ARTICLES

  • Service Members

Family Members & Loved Ones

  • Service Members
Planning for a Successful Reunion and Reintegration It’s finally time for your service member to come home, and the buildup couldn’t be more exciting – you’ve both been dreaming about this moment for so long. You’ve made it to this point, which means you’ve managed to get through deployment in your own way. Even so, reunion and reintegration may have their own challenges. Understanding what’s ahead, being prepared and managing expectations are key components to success. Here are some tips for planning a memorable and successful reunion.
In Case of Emergency: Be Prepared No one wants to consider the possibility of an emergency during deployment. But if one happens – in the field or at home – the best thing you can do is be prepared. There are many resources to help you deal with the unexpected, including support from Military OneSource. Familiarize yourself with the help that’s available, so you’ll know what to do in case of an emergency.
Security and Safety During Deployment As part of the military community, chances are that you’ve heard the term “OPSEC”, or operations security. Simply put, OPSEC means being careful about what is said and done in front of others in order to protect you, your family and your service members from those that can do harm. No matter how small some words and actions may seem, enemies of the military may be able to piece together certain information and learn something that could jeopardize you or your service member’s safety.
See Also
Troubleshooting Your Military OneSource Account | Military OneSourceH&R Block 2023 - 2024 Military OneSource Tax Software
Supporting Children and Youth During Deployment Each situation is different, and every child may react differently. Understanding how to support children during deployment begins with paying close attention to their reactions and using available resources when needed.
Staying Connected with Your Service Member During Deployment The greatest morale builder for deployed service members is hearing from family and loved ones. You can stay connected and keep your relationship strong until everyone is reunited. Whether you’re a significant other, parent, family member or friend of a deployed service member, the following tips and ideas can help you stay in touch during deployment.
Deployment Extensions Deployment extensions can happen, and when they do, it can be difficult for everyone — including your deployed service member. Here are some tips that may help if you and your family are faced with an extension.
What’s Next? Deployment Tips for Loved Ones You’ve prepared for deployment and seen your service member off — so what’s next? As challenging as this time may seem, it’s also a great opportunity to focus on yourself, your relationships and what’s important to you. Here are some suggestions to help you live positively, stay grounded and handle separation during deployment.
Six Ways to Stay Informed During Deployment Deployments can be hard on everyone, including family and loved ones. There are a lot of unknowns, and that can be difficult to handle. Staying up-to-date on your service member’s deployment can ease some of the uncertainty you may be feeling. Fortunately, there are many ways to get the information you need throughout deployment. Here are six ways to stay informed during deployment.
Supporting Children and Youth During Deployment Each situation is different, and every child may react differently. Understanding how to support children during deployment begins with paying close attention to their reactions and using available resources when needed.
Practicing Mindfulness During Deployment Deployment is a unique time in a service member’s life – long periods away from family, stressful situations and traumatic experiences can affect service members even after they return home. Studies show there are a number of techniques service members can use to manage thoughts, feelings and even actions during deployment and afterward.
Staying Connected with Your Loved Ones During Deployment Although your day-to-day responsibilities will keep you busy during deployment, you may still find some days more difficult while being separated from your family and loved ones. Staying in touch can help you get through these times and can make the transition back home easier. The following suggestions offer ways to stay connected and remain engaged as a “long-distance” parent, partner, family member or friend.

Tasks & Considerations

Self-Care

Spend time taking care of yourself while your service member is deployed. Maintain good physical and mental health by continuing daily activities. You might pick up a new hobby, take a yoga class or read a new book. The military Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs offer a variety of activity options that may interest you.

Military OneSource also provides an array of free mobile wellness apps and resilience tools you can use anytime, anywhere, including the new My MilLife Guide text program.

Support Groups

Support networks can range from online sources, to installation readiness groups, friends and family. Find the right support network for your needs, and don’t be afraid to lean on them during difficult times. Contact your Military and Family Support Center for more information on programs offered through your installation. You might also consider joining the online Military OneSource Blog Brigade. Members share stories and advice on a wide range of military life experiences.

Confidential Help

Seeking help is a sign of strength. Military OneSource is both a call center and a website connecting you to information and confidential support when you need it. Counselors are available 24/7 and can help with everything from parenting and relationship questions, to financial management, deployment adjustments and more. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS dialing options, or schedule a live chat.

Military Leave

Leave is an important part of your military benefits package. Learn more about different types of military leave and how it works so you can start planning for time off after deployment.

Staying Connected With Your Service Member

Stay in contact with your service member by sending a care package, writing letters or recording videos. Keep your service member involved and updated on your life. For more tips, read the short article Staying Connected With Your Service Member During Deployment.

Connecting With Kids

Children can be heavily impacted by deployment, and react in different ways. It’s important to understand different ways children can behave and how to keep them in the communication loop. Learn more about supporting your military children through the deployment cycle. For a list of resources by age-level, read the article Helping Children Plan for Deployment.

Reunion and Reintegration Planning

Planning and communication can help make reunion and reintegration as easy and stress-free as possible. Learn more about planning for a successful reunion and reintegration.

Predeployment Checklists Follow-up

You spent a lot of time preparing for deployment. Make sure to revisit your Predeployment Checklist to see if anything needs to be updated.

Pre Deployment Checklist

Safety and Security

Before sharing information about your service member’s deployment on social media or with family or friends, make sure you’re following operations security guidelines. Read this short article about security and safety during deployment and follow these printable OPSEC-PRESEC Guidelines. It’s important that family members and friends also understand these rules and regulations so that everyone can stay safe.

Opsec-Presec Guidelines

Financial Emergencies

Each branch of service offers emergency financial assistance through their respective relief organizations. Learn more about military relief organizations and emergency financial help, and visit your service organization’s website for more details: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force.

Deployment Information and Resources - Plan My Deployment (2024)
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