Identifying the Phases of Deployment
Knowing what to expect is the first step to ensuring readiness and resiliency! Whether
you’ve been through multiple deployments or you’re about to deploy for the first
time, understanding the deployment cycle and attending its corresponding events
is an easy way to guarantee you’re in the loop on all the services available to
you and your Family and ensure your smooth transition through each phase. Starting
with pre-deployment and ending with reintegration, the graphic below shows how each
phase connects to form a sequence.
Click on a deployment phase to jump to its definition.
Pre-Deployment
Timeframe: From first notification of deployment until
deployment occurs
What you need to know: From the moment you are alerted
of your imminent deployment, this time should be used to prepare for your departure.
If you are a Family member, this marks the period during which you will prepare
for the separation of your loved one. It’s important for military Families to use
this phase as an opportunity to connect emotionally, to line up your local support
resources, and ensure all financial and household tasks are assigned and ready to
be accomplished while you or your loved one is away. If you are a Service Member,
you can also expect to receive important information to help you stay safe during
your deployment, one of many topics that attending a Pre-Deployment event
with your Family will address.
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During Deployment
Timeframe: From departure until demobilization
What you need to know: During this phase, units or individuals
deploy from their respective installations into their designated assignment. As
a deployed Service Member, you are performing your mission, but in the meantime,
Families will be adjusting to the separation. Wherever possible, the during deployment
phase is a good time to keep in touch through letters, phone calls, emails and social
networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. Family members will benefit from attending
a During Deployment event to receive coping tips, discuss reunion
issues, and more.
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Demobilization
Timeframe: From the unit’s arrival at the demobilization
station to departure for its home station
What you need to know: You (or your loved one) are finally
coming home. Redeployment/demobilization marks the period during which Service Members
returning from theater arrive at the demobilization station or wing and receive
briefings, medical assessments, and materials to begin their healthy, successful
reintegration into their Families, civilian employment, and communities. As a returning
Service Member, you may be extremely eager to get home, and Family members will
be just as anxious for your arrival, but it’s important to be patient throughout
this process, as it will ensure a smoother transition.
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Post-Deployment/Reconstitution
Timeframe: From arrival at home station to 180 days after
arrival
What you need to know: Welcome home! You’ve served your
Nation and been reunited with the world you left behind. “Now what?” you ask. Reintegration
into civilian life may pose an entirely new set of challenges for you and your Family
as you strive towards regaining normalcy after deployment. Post-Deployment
events occur at approximately the 30, 60, and 90-day mark to gradually help
you and your Family adjust to life after separation. You’ll receive critical information
about services and entitlements you have earned, as well as points of contact to
help you cope with any challenges you may experience as a result of being deployed.
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Now that you’ve learned about the Deployment Cycle, head over to our About
Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Events page to learn more about our
events!