Reunion & Reintegration Checklist

Use these resources for deployment reunion and reintegration to support your mental health, relationships and reconnecting, finances, education and employment, and help make your military homecoming smoother for you and those you love.

View checklists for other deployment phases.

  • Review your income and budget after a deployment. Adjust to reflect changes in income, including the end of special pay, allowances or combat zone tax exclusions.
  • Explore these financial affairs tips, and take advantage of free support programs for help with finances, budgeting, savings, retirement and large purchases.
  • Revisit personal affairs and consider updating documents like powers of attorney, wills, life insurance beneficiaries and your family care plan.
  • Allow yourself some time to rest and adjust after deployment. Explore a variety of options with Morale, Welfare and Recreation for taking some well-deserved leave, and talk to your family and loved ones about what is best.
  • Be sure to check with your chain of command or administrative office to understand your specific leave options that you are eligible for post-deployment. Familiarize yourself with the rules around military leave and any special provisions that may apply.
  • Understand that relationships may have changed during your time away; be flexible and patient as you readjust.
  • Communicate openly, sharing only what you’re comfortable with, since talking about what happened during deployment can be difficult.
  • Take time to get reacquainted and try these tips for how to communicate successfully as a couple.
  • Practice intentional communication in your daily routine with Love Every Day, a free text-based relationship resilience tool. Log in to your Military OneSource account to get started.
  • Strengthen your relationships with family, friends and others with personalized support with a Building Healthy Relationships Specialty Consultation.
  • Tap into these relationship tools and resources to Military OneSource to help with open and honest communication.
  • Get help connecting with others and overcome feelings of loneliness following a deployment with coaching, counseling and these support resources.
  • Set realistic expectations about reunion and reintegration, and hear how others have handled this unique military experience.
  • Adjust to reintegration at your own pace. If needed, communicate personal space or time for yourself through this transition. Plan activities that help you reconnect, like dinners, outings or one-on-one and small group hangouts with friends and loved ones when you are ready.
  • Acknowledge that your household may operate differently now that deployment is over. Adjust family activities as needed.
  • Be open to change. Talk with your loved ones about responsibilities and chores, and set new expectations based on everyone’s needs.
  • Engage in fun, simple activities with your children, encourage them to express their thoughts and emotions, and remain flexible with routines, offering support as needed.
  • Find military homecoming tips, resources and videos to support children and loved ones reconnecting after a deployment with Sesame Street for Military Families.
  • Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website for more information on the different programs, eligibility criteria and how to apply for a wide range of veteran benefits and entitlements including disability benefits, home loans, health care, pensions and more.
  • Take advantage of Military OneSource services and free Transitioning Veterans Consultations for education, training, job help, health, housing and assistance — for up to 365 days after your transition.
  • Acknowledge any emotions you might experience after a deployment and transition to civilian life. If these feelings persist or interfere with daily life, talking out stressors with a peer-to-peer support specialist can be beneficial.
  • Seek out veteran groups, whether online or in person. Connecting with people who have similar experiences can offer a sense of camaraderie and help you navigate this new chapter.