Expect the unexpected!

• There will be lots to do in little time
• Home station vs. MOB station
• Soldiers may move to yet another location
• Feeling sad and alone are normal
• Expect separation stress and usual stress
• Maintain a central file of key information
• Paperwork needs to be done before the SM departs
• You will need to familiarize yourself with military resources
• You will need to establish a realistic budget during deployment
  

A Military Family Perspective
By:  LTC Simon H. Pincus, USA, MC, COL Robert House, USAR, MC, LTC Joseph Christenson, USA, MC, and CAPT Lawrence E. Adler, MC, USNR-R

Military families have experienced the emotional trauma of deployment on an unprecedented scale since the end of the Gulf War. Humanitarian missions and peace enforcement have sent our troops to Somalia, Cuba, Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo. In the last decade, military downsizing has increased the likelihood that each soldier will eventually participate on an extended mission. The impact of these long separations is of increasing concern with two-thirds of soldiers now married and deployments to the Former Yugoslavia entering a fifth year. Differing coping strategies are needed through five stages of deployment. Education of health care providers, military leaders, soldiers and family members to anticipate these stages is crucial to ensure the soldier's safe return and to minimize familial trauma. Visit www.hooah4health.com for more information on the 5 stages of the emotional cycle of deployment.

Long separations are hard on everyone- The Soldier and the Family.  Experience has shown that the deployment can be much is easier if Families know what to expect and have some tips on how to handle the stress and emotions.  In this video you will hear first hand from a Soldier and his wife about how they were able to cope and learn some strategies that may work for you.  View Dealing with the Emotional Side of Deployment.