What You Should Know
Deployment can be a challenge for military families. Spouses remaining at home must care for children,
handle finances, manage the household and make many important decisions on their own.
Children may experience strong emotions of anxiety, fear or even guilt over a parent's absence.
Servicemembers and their families must contend with the loneliness and stress of separation from
one another. Although your time apart may be challenging, it can be less stressful if you plan ahead.
Plan Ahead
- Before deployment create a plan for managing finances, household routines, child care
and other matters. Talk with children about the importance of military jobs.
Use the Deployment Checklists as a guide.
- When duty calls understand that strong emotions are normal. Plan ways to maintain family
activities and communicate regularly. Prepare special ways to stay in touch.
- Returning home is joyful — but can also be stressful. Know what to expect as you renew
family relationships and responsibilities.
Seek Help
The following individuals and groups are available to assist you. Do not hesitate to seek their help
when needed.
- Your unit commander or first sergeant.
- Your unit family support group.
- Your local family support center.
- Your installation's legal office.
- Your installation clergy members or places of worship.
- Military aid societies.
- The American Red Cross.
- United Service Organization (USO).
- Local nonprofit organizations.
Topics covered in this section are:
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Education
Education