While military families know how to stand strong, the stresses of deployment can bring extra challenges. At Military OneSource, we’re here to help — by connecting you to a wide array of programs and services designed for military families. Here are some resources you should know about when the service member in your family has been deployed:
The Military Family Readiness System
The Military Family Readiness System is a network of programs, services and agencies — all collaborating to promote your family’s readiness and quality of life.
- Through this system, you can receive or request deployment assistance to help your family adjust to all phases of the deployment cycle.
- You’ll also find assistance for many other areas of military life while your service member is deployed, from financial management to emergency family assistance.
How to access services:
- Military and Family Support Centers are open to all service members and their families, regardless of your branch.
- You can find your nearest center at MilitaryINSTALLATIONS, or though individual service branches:
Non-military community organizations are also part of the Family Readiness System.
Your Military and Family Support Center and Reserve Component Family Program can connect you to people who can help you. You can also call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647.
Deployment for spouses of Guard and reserve service members
Is your service member preparing for deployment or transitioning to active duty? These support services for National Guard and reserve families can help you every step of the way, from mobilization to reintegration:
- Command communications: Your command leadership will provide information to you in a variety of ways, including unit website, email, a toll-free number and/or automated multimedia communication systems.
- Military Family and Support Centers: Active-duty Guard and reserve service members and their immediate family are entitled to use services at any military installation. You can find nearby centers at MilitaryINSTALLATIONS, or through individual service branches:
- These sites and organizations offer more support and services:
Services for children and deployment
A number of organizations offer help for families with children whose mom or dad is deployed:
- Sesame Street for Military Families offers several resources for children of deployed service members, including videos, tips, downloadable documents and more.
- ZERO to THREE has resources for military and veteran families with infants and toddlers. Check out their tools, resources and strategies for parents, especially during deployment.
- MilitaryKidsConnect offers Kids Deploy Too, a website designed to help military kids (ages 6-17) face the challenges of a deployment using engaging and interactive activities.
Services and help for deployed service members’ family caregiver
Are you the designated family caregiver for a deploying service member? There are a number of documents and legal considerations you’ll need to address.
An official family care plan is required for military members and it must be kept up-to-date. Find guidance on the family care plan for your service branch below:
- Army Family Care Plan
- Marine Corps Family Care Plan
- Navy Family Care Certification
- Air Force Family Care Certification
For more information about the documents that a designated family caregiver needs, talk with a Military OneSource consultant at 800-342-9647. The legal assistance offices on your installation can also help with any legal documents you need to support your family care plan.
Plan My Deployment—for service members and families
With Plan My Deployment, you can access information and resources to help manage your deployment. Customize the task-and-consideration list to successfully navigate the re-deployment, deployment, and reunion and reintegration phases of the deployment cycle.
Installation Program Directory
Find programs and services at your local installation.
