Deployments don't have to be something you just "get through." Instead, this is a perfect time to set and achieve new goals — those things you've been meaning to do can double as the things that will help you through the months of deployment.
Just like you wouldn't attempt a new chapter in your life without a little research and goal setting, do your homework before a deployment starts. Use Military OneSource and installation resources to get prepared. Plan ahead for your deployment and reunion — make it a smooth transition.
When you get the official word on your next deployment, it's time to start prepping. If you're reading this, then you've come to the right place. When it comes to deployment Military OneSource has what you need. From Plan My Deployment to confidential non-medical counseling: call, click and connect for all things deployment.
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Here are a few links to get you started:
- Plan My Deployment: Start your deployment off right with this resource. Get personalized checklists and timelines based on your dates. Organize each phase of your deployment with a few clicks of your mouse.
- Military OneSource's Deployment page: Bookmark this page on your phone or computer so you're always connected to articles, tips and popular deployment links.
- Health and wellness coaching: Service members and family members alike can set goals with this feature. Use this free resource to put a healthy, positive spin on deployment. Military OneSource health and wellness coaches can help you focus your attention on weight management, fitness, nutrition, stress management and life transitions — ahem, like deployments.
- Confidential, non-medical counseling: Sometimes you just need to talk to someone in the wee hours of the morning. When phone calls to your usual go-to people don't do the trick, you can dial 800-342-9647 to reach a non-medical counselor. Set up appointments to fit into your busy schedule: face-to-face in your community, over the phone, through instant online chat or secure, live video sessions.
Installation support
If it's installation-based support you're looking for, you're covered. The Military and Family Support Center or Reserve Component Family Programs have resources to help you during deployment. Offerings include:
- Your family readiness group: If you haven't seen it firsthand yet, you'll find out information about deployments travels fast. Make your family readiness group your go-to spot for the latest information about your deployment. Your family readiness officer, and other families in the unit, is often the quickest way to get information about changing dates, updates and support activities. Stay connected through email, texts or phone trees throughout the deployment cycle.
- Briefs and classes: Pre- and post-deployment briefs might be mandatory for service members, but advertised as "encouraged" or "optional" for family members. Don't be confused by the wording, service members and spouses alike can benefit from the information and resources covered in these sessions. If this isn't your first rodeo, you might wonder what the same old brief can offer you that you don't already know. Remember, no two deployments are alike: You might learn something new or get a much-needed refresher on operations security and important phone numbers. These briefs are also good for connecting with people who will face this deployment with you. Find a mentor, a support group or lend your experience to a deployment rookie.
- Your family and friends: Who knows you best? Who can offer words of comfort that make you breathe a genuine sigh of relief? Let down your guard and lean on your family, friends or your religious community. They care about you and might be happy to offer deployment cycle support — even if they don't know that's what it's called.
- Confidential non-medical counseling: Yep, you can access confidential non-medical counseling services similar to those on Military OneSource through your installation's Military and Family Life Counseling Program. These free sessions can help you adjust to family separation, the many phases and challenges of deployment and more.
In case you misplaced that handy contact sheet from your pre-deployment brief, never fear, you can find the same contact information through a quick search on MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.