Skip to main content
The Definitive Deployment Resource

Deployment & Reintegration Command Center

Navigate every phase of deployment with confidence. From pre-deployment readiness to successful reintegration, this command center guides your family through the entire journey.

Welcome to your Command Center

This is an interactive tool—as you fill out the planners in Phase 1, your personal action plan at the bottom will update automatically. Look for the cards with text areas to get started.

A Resource Proudly Presented By

Family Media Logo

Empowering Military Families

FamilyMedia.com is committed to providing best-in-class resources for the military community. This hub is a free tool designed to support military families through every phase of deployment.

Visit FamilyMedia.com

Phase 1: Pre-Deployment Readiness

A solid foundation makes the entire process smoother. Use these interactive tools to ensure all legal, financial, and household affairs are in order before deployment begins.

Interactive Readiness Checklists

  • Power of Attorney (POA): Discuss if a General (broad) or Special (specific tasks) POA is needed.
  • Will & Living Will: Ensure documents are updated and legally sound.
  • Family Care Plan: A DoD requirement for single parents or dual-military couples with dependents. Formalize guardianship, financial, and logistical plans.
  • DEERS/ID Cards: Verify all dependents are correctly enrolled in DEERS and have current ID cards.
  • Review LES & Set Allotments: Understand all pays and deductions. Set up automatic payments for bills.
  • Deployment Budget: Create a detailed budget accounting for special pays (Hostile Fire Pay, Family Separation Allowance).
  • Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): Contact lenders to request interest rate caps (6%) on pre-service loans.
  • Savings Deposit Program (SDP): If eligible, take advantage of this high-yield (10% annual interest) savings account.
  • Credit Report Alert: Place an "active duty alert" on credit reports to protect against fraud.
  • Video Inventory: Record a video of valuables for insurance purposes.
  • Vehicle Storage Prep: Add fuel stabilizer, disconnect the battery, and update insurance.
  • Home Maintenance Plan: Arrange for recurring tasks like lawn care or snow removal.
  • Emergency Contacts: Compile a single document with all critical contacts (repair services, neighbors, FRG leader).

🤝 Our Family Deployment Pact

This is a shared journey. Use this space to define your family's goals and communication plan for this time apart. This becomes your 'why'.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Preparing Children for Deployment

  • Use a map to show them where their parent is going
  • Create a 'feelings' chart to help them express emotions
  • Read age-appropriate books about deployment
  • Explain that the parent is helping to keep our country safe
  • Answer their questions honestly but age-appropriately
  • Create a countdown calendar (that focuses on fun activities, not just days)
  • Record the deployed parent reading bedtime stories
  • Decorate a 'hug pillow' with a t-shirt that smells like the parent
  • Make care packages together to send overseas
  • Create a photo album or scrapbook of family memories
Navy Federal Credit Union Logo

A Proud Supporter of Military Families

Our Members Are the Mission.

Navy Federal Credit Union proudly serves the armed forces, DOD, veterans, and their families. We are committed to providing our members with the best-in-class financial products and services they deserve.

Learn More & Join

Phase 2: The Homefront

This phase is about thriving, not just surviving. Build resilience with curated resources for emotional wellness, solo parenting, and maintaining operational security.

Parenting Solo: Age-Specific Guides

💰 Financial Mid-Deployment Check-In

Stay on top of your finances with this simple quarterly checklist.

  • Review SDP contributions and ensure maximum deposit if eligible
  • Check all credit reports for fraud via AnnualCreditReport.com
  • Review monthly spending against the deployment budget and adjust as needed
  • Confirm all allotments and automatic payments are processing correctly
  • Update emergency fund if deployment pay allows for additional savings
  • Review insurance coverage and beneficiaries for any needed changes

OPSEC & Social Media

  • ✗ DON'T post specific dates, locations, or countdowns.
  • ✗ DON'T reveal unit morale, equipment status, or casualties.
  • ✓ DO set all social media profiles to private.
  • ✓ DO share that you are proud, but keep it general.

🌱 Self-Care & Resilience Toolkit

Your emotional health matters too. These resources help you thrive, not just survive.

🧘
Mindfulness Apps
Calm, Headspace, or Insight Timer
💪
Virtual Fitness Classes
Free through Military OneSource
👥
Connect with Your FRG
Key Spouse or support network
📝
Journaling Prompts
Process emotions & track growth
USAA Logo

A Proud Supporter of Military Families

What you're made of, we're made for.®

For over 100 years, USAA has been committed to serving the financial needs of the military community. From insurance to investments, we proudly support military families on their path to financial security.

Explore USAA

Phase 3: Reintegration & Homecoming

Homecoming is a process, not a single event. Manage expectations and reconnect thoughtfully to set the stage for your family's successful new chapter.

"Homecoming is not a single event, but a process of rediscovery—for you, for your service member, and for your family. Be patient with the journey."

The 72-Hour Guide: Managing Expectations

The first three days are a unique adjustment period. Prioritize patience and flexibility over a picture-perfect reunion.

Day 1: Decompression

Expect exhaustion (yours and theirs). Keep visitors to a minimum. Let them sleep and have quiet time. Don't plan a huge celebration.

Day 2: Gentle Re-entry

Talk about what's changed in a low-pressure way. Revisit a favorite local spot. Avoid tackling big relationship or financial issues.

Day 3: Finding Rhythm

Begin discussing routines and expectations slowly. Acknowledge that things feel different. Patience is the most important tool for everyone.

💬 Navigating Common Reintegration Challenges

Homecoming isn't always picture-perfect, and that's completely normal. These challenges are more common than you think.

Deployment changes how we communicate. The deployed spouse may have become more direct and task-focused, while the at-home spouse might have developed different conversation patterns.

  • Give each other time to readjust communication styles
  • Be patient with "small talk" - it might feel foreign at first
  • Practice active listening without trying to "fix" everything

Family routines, roles, and dynamics have shifted. The goal isn't to go back to how things were, but to build a new normal together.

  • Acknowledge that everyone has grown and changed
  • Discuss new routines rather than assuming old ones will work
  • Be flexible as you figure out new family rhythms
  • Celebrate the independence and strength everyone has gained

Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Professional help can provide tools and perspective during this transition.

  • Military OneSource: Free counseling for military families
  • Military Family Life Counselor (MFLC): Available on most installations
  • Chaplain Services: Spiritual and emotional support
  • Consider help if: Arguments are frequent, intimacy feels forced, or children are struggling significantly

Relationship Reconnect

You've both changed. The goal isn't to go back to how things were, but to build a new normal together.

  • Date Your Spouse Again: Schedule short, simple, one-on-one time without kids or distractions.
  • Communicate with Grace: Use "I feel" statements. Actively listen without planning your rebuttal.
  • Redefine Roles Together: The at-home spouse has been running the show. Discuss how to share responsibilities again collaboratively.
  • Manage Intimacy Expectations: Emotional connection often needs to be re-established before physical intimacy feels right.

Parenting Together Again

Re-establishing family dynamics requires patience from everyone as you transition from solo to co-parenting.

  • For the Returning Parent: Reconnect through play and one-on-one time before re-engaging in discipline.
  • For the At-Home Parent: Intentionally create space for the returning parent to get involved, even if it's not "your way."
  • Present a United Front: Discuss rules and discipline privately, then support each other in front of the children.
  • Acknowledge the Shift: Kids may be excited, distant, or act out. All are normal reactions to a major change in their world.

🛠️ Building Your 'New Normal' Together

Reintegration is about creating new routines. Use this collaborative checklist as a starting point.

  • Discuss new household chore distribution
  • Schedule a weekly, low-stress 'State of the Union' meeting
  • Plan your first post-deployment family vacation, even if it's small
  • Set new, shared financial goals together
  • Establish new family traditions that incorporate everyone's experiences
  • Create space for individual growth while maintaining family unity

🗓️ The 'Next 90 Days' Check-In

Reintegration continues long after homecoming. Use this as a guide for intentional check-ins.

  • 30 Days: Have you re-established roles? Is communication flowing?
  • 60 Days: Are you making time for yourselves as a couple? How are the kids *really* doing?
  • 90 Days: Have you planned a vacation? Is it time to seek outside support if challenges persist?

The transition back to civilian life can feel overwhelming. These strategies help ease the readjustment process for the returning service member.

  • It's okay to say "I'm not ready to talk about that"
  • Prepare a short, general answer for common questions like "How was it?"
  • Set boundaries about what you're comfortable discussing
  • Remember: most people mean well but may not understand your experience
  • Consider connecting with other veterans who can relate to your situation
  • Explore veteran-focused community groups like Team RWB or The Mission Continues
  • Use GI Bill benefits to learn new skills or pursue interests
  • Try outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or camping
  • Consider volunteering with organizations that align with your values
  • Join local sports leagues or fitness groups
  • Start with short trips to the store during off-peak hours
  • Always know where the exits are to feel more in control
  • Use noise-canceling headphones in busy environments
  • Take breaks when you feel overwhelmed - it's completely normal
  • Practice deep breathing techniques in stressful situations
  • Consider therapy or counseling if sensory issues persist

Branch-Specific Support

While the deployment cycle is universal, each service has unique resources. Find your official support network here.

Army Community Service (ACS)

Fleet and Family Support

Marine Corps Community (MCCS)

Airman & Family Readiness

Your Personal Deployment Action Plan

You've done the work. Here is a summary of the key plans you've outlined. Print this and keep it somewhere visible as a reminder of your shared goals and commitments.

Your plan updates automatically as you fill out the sections above

🎯 Our Family's Mission & Purpose

Your family's 'why' will appear here...

🏠 Supporting the Mission from Home

Your support strategies will appear here...

💬 Our Communication Plan

Your communication plan details will appear here...