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Returning Home From Deployment

Overview

You’re headed home after a deployment. It’s been a long time coming, and you deserve to celebrate. But it’s important to know what adjustments you might face after you get home — like how your children might respond to you after a long absence and how household routines might have changed. Knowing what to expect during the five key stages of reunion and reintegration can help make the transition easier for everyone.

Prepare your children for your return

The mixed emotions that often come with a deployed parent’s return can be especially confusing for children. On one hand, they’re excited to have mom or dad home, but they may also feel nervous about the adjustment. Learn more about what to expect and how to support children during reintegration.

Spend time together as a family

Take time together as a family to reconnect with family members. Discover discounts and travel benefits available to service members and their families.

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Best Kept Secrets: Joint Services Camp Grounds and Facilities

Morale, Welfare and Recreation joint services campgrounds and facilities across the United States offer service members and their families a variety of accommodations and amenities at great rates. Explore your next vacation.

Prepare to go back to work

Service members can expect some challenges returning to work after deployment. Active-duty service members return to a military community where others have “been there, done that.” Members of the National Guard and reserves go back to the civilian work force where coworkers generally don’t understand deployment. Learn some simple tips to help smooth National Guard and reserves reintegration.

Lean on your network of support

Sometimes returning home from deployment can be overwhelming. Don’t be afraid to ask for support as you transition back to the homefront. If you, your spouse or other family members are feeling signs of physical or emotional stress, it’s important to seek help — the earlier the better. These support resources can help make returning home easier for everyone:

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Relationship Support for Military Couples

Couples counseling and many other free and confidential resources are available to help you and your partner build a relationship that can thrive amid deployments and other challenges.

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Mental Health After Deployment: What to Know and Where to Get Help

Morale, Welfare and Recreation joint services campgrounds and facilities across the United States offer service members and their families a variety of accommodations and amenities at great rates. Explore your next vacation.

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Contact a Military OneSource consultant

Military OneSource consultants are available 24/7/365 to help you find the reintegration resources and support you need. Call 800-342-9647, use international calling options, or schedule a live chat.

Resources, benefits and support services for Returning Home From Deployment

BENEFITS & SUPPORT SERVICES TO HELP WITH RETURNING HOME FROM DEPLOYMENT

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