Deployment Resources

The military has your back during all phases of deployment – from predeployment through reunion and reintegration. Military OneSource and your installation’s Military and Family Support Center (Link opens in new window.) serve as gateways for an array of resources, assistance and programs that help service members and families stay deployment strong.

For an overview of resources, visit Military Deployment Support. (Link opens in new window.) You can also review the following information for more details. (All links below open in new window.)

Predeployment resources

Plan My Deployment is an online tool that provides information and resources to help service members and families manage all phases of the deployment cycle. Check out the predeployment resources for access to printable tasks and considerations lists, important documents and forms, financial and legal guidance, tips for helping prepare children and families and more.

Financial resources: Military OneSource’s certified financial experts can help you get your financial house in order prior to your deployment. Learn more about:

The personal financial managers at your local installation Military and Family Support Center can also give you valuable information and resources, either over the phone or face-to-face.

Here are some other financial resources for you to consider:

Get help doing your taxes. Both MilTax, Military OneSource’s free tax services, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offices, provided through the Armed Forces Tax Council, offer tax consultation and electronic filing to eligible service members and their families. Call 800-342-9647 for more information.
Use your myPay account to track your income before and during deployment and to view your Leave and Earnings Statements. Learn more about deployment entitlements such as possible combat zone tax exclusions and other special pays you may receive.
Save more money with a boost from the military. The Thrift Savings Plan Account lets you save for retirement. The Savings Deposit Program lets you build 10% interest on deposits made while you are deployed. Learn more about preparing for deployment by setting savings goals.

Paperwork and legal: Learn about deployment paperwork prep to help you get organized before you deploy. Proper legal arrangements can improve your military readiness. Active and retired service members are eligible for free legal assistance – preparing wills, appointing powers of attorney, translating documents and more. Contact your installation legal services/JAG office, or use this Armed Forces Legal Assistance Locator tool.

Deployment resources

Service members and their families may face a variety of challenges throughout the deployment cycle as they adjust to separation and changes in family dynamics and responsibilities. Your installation Military and Family Support Center, local National Guard Family Assistance Center and Military OneSource are available to provide support throughout the deployment cycle.

Military OneSource deployment resources include:

Plan My Deployment resources for printable deployment task and considerations lists, tips for self-care, support groups, helping children and youth cope, staying connected with your service member and more
Deployment resources for families article with information and links to service branch contacts
Joint Services Support for the National Guard article with information and links to resources and programs
Health and wellness information such as chill drills, wellness apps and tips for keeping your relationship strong
Expanded child care options with access to a national subscription service to help parents locate on-demand child care
Military spouse education and career opportunities through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program

Military and Family Support Centers and other installation support services provide comprehensive family support services, including:

Deployment briefings and information sessions
Financial counseling
Free, non-medical counseling for adults and children through the Military and Family Life Counseling Program. Sessions are available either face-to-face or online. All information is confidential and will not affect your career or your spouse’s career in any way. Counselors are master’s degree professionals and can help with issues such as:

– Stress management

– Improving relationships at home or at work

– Marital problems

– Parenting

– Grief or loss

School liaisons to assist with education-related matters for students pre-K through 12. Learn about the wide variety of services offered by school liaisons.

Post-deployment resources

Visit the Military OneSource Plan My Deployment Reunion and Reintegration section for tips on mental health, finances, communication, legal affairs and more. You can also contact your installation Military and Family Support Center for information on post-deployment resources.

Other noted post-deployment resources include:

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program assists National Guard and reserve members and their families throughout the deployment cycle, including reentry to work.
The Department of Labor offers helpful information to reservists on a range of employee benefit issues around deployment with frequently asked questions for reservists being called to active duty.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, or USERRA, protects employed National Guard and reserve service members called to active duty. Learn more in these frequently asked questions about USERRA.

Emergency resources

For financial emergencies, military relief organizations provide emergency financial assistance in the form of loans or grants, typically for one-time needs such as rent, utilities, car repair, emergency travel and other essentials.

For emergency health issues that are not covered by non-medical counseling, use the following information:

Active suicidal or homicidal thoughts: Call the Military Crisis Line at 988, and press 1, chat online or send a text message to 838255.
Sexual assault: Call the Safe Helpline at 877-995-5247, or start an online chat. In case of immediate danger, call 911.
Child abuse: Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-4-A-CHILD or 800-422-4453.
Domestic violence: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE or 800-799-7233.
Alcohol and substance abuse: Although alcohol and substance abuse are not covered by installation non-medical counseling services, installation counselors can advise service members and families on where to seek help. Contact your installation Military and Family Support Center for more information. Learn more about military substance abuse resources.
Mental health conditions: Reach out to your military treatment facility or contact TRICARE.

Have questions about resources? Trying to find something not listed here? Military OneSource consultants are available 24/7/365 to help answer questions and connect you with the support you need. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS calling options or schedule a live chat. Military life means being part of a community. Knowing and using your community resources helps keep you and your family deployment strong.

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