Deployment Resources for Families

Military families know how to stand strong, but the stresses of deployment can bring extra challenges. At Military OneSource, we’re here to help — by connecting you to a wide array of information and services designed to support military families. Here are some resources to keep in mind for your next deployment:

The Military Family Readiness System

The Military Family Readiness System is a network of programs, services and agencies that work together to promote your family’s readiness and quality of life. Through this network, you can receive or request assistance with all phases of the deployment cycle, as well as assistance with military life in general. Support includes but is not limited to:

• Mobilization and deployment readiness
• Relocation assistance
• Personal and family life readiness
• Financial readiness, including emergency financial assistance
• Exceptional Family Member Program referrals
• New parent support programs
• Non-medical, individual and family counseling for adults and children
• School liaisons to assist with education matters for children grades pre-K through 12

Most family readiness programs and services are offered through your installation Military and Family Support Center. Military and Family Support Centers are open to all service members and their families, including National Guard and reserve, regardless of your branch. You can find your nearest center at MilitaryINSTALLATIONS, or through individual service branches:

• Army Community Services
• Marine and Family Programs
• Fleet and Family Support Program
• Airman and Family Readiness

Deployment resources for National Guard and reserve

These support services for National Guard and reserve families can help you every step of the way, from mobilization to reintegration:

• Command communications: Your command leadership will provide information to you in a variety of ways, including unit website, email, a toll-free number and/or automated multimedia communication systems.
• Reserve component family programs deliver family readiness services through facility-based locations, online and by telephone. While these access points deliver a limited number of direct services to members and their families, they can readily refer you to other Military Family Readiness System resources.

The following sites and organizations offer more support and services for Guard and reserve members:

• Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program
• Army Reserve Resources
• Marine Corps Forces Reserve
• Air Force Reserve Command

Non-military community organizations are also part of the Military Family Readiness System. Your local Military and Family Support Center and National Guard Family Program can connect you with the resources you need.

Military OneSource deployment resources

Military OneSource is available 24/7/365 through both a website and a call center that offer information and services to support service members and families before, during and after deployment.

Military One consultants are available by phone or live chat to answer questions and connect you with services you need. Call 800-342-9647, use OCONUS calling options or schedule a live chat. All inquiries are confidential.

Online resources:

• Plan My Deployment: This online tool from Military OneSource provides information and resources to help you manage all the phases of the deployment cycle. Customize the “Task and Considerations” list in each section to help you navigate predeployment, deployment, and reunion and reintegration.

Deployment articles:

• Military Deployment Support
• Deployment – Benefits
• Deployment Basics By Service Branch
• When Your Guard or Reserve Service Member Is Called to Active Duty
• Supporting Your Military Children Through the Deployment Cycle
• Staying Resilient While Your Partner Is Deployed

Deployment products:

• Over There (Mommy version) storybook for children

Deployment resources for children and youth

A number of organizations offer resources for families with children whose mom or dad is deployed:

• Sesame Street for Military Families offers several resources for young children of deployed service members, including videos, tips, downloadable documents and more.
• ZERO TO THREE has resources for specifically designed for military and veteran families with infants and toddlers. Their parenting tips and resources are useful anytime but can be especially helpful during deployment.
• Thrive is a free, online program for parents and caregivers developed by the DOD in partnership with the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. It provides evidence-based positive parenting tips for stress management, physical activities and healthy eating for children ages 0-18. Check out their extensive list of parent resources.

Family care plan

Family care plans are designed to provide caregivers with all the necessary information to keep the household running smoothly while parents are away. They typically include details about child care, school, medical care, family activities and all necessary contacts.

Generally, active-duty and Reserve Component service members who have dependents and are either single or part of a dual-military couple must have a family care plan. However, family care plans can be helpful tools for any family. Learn more about preparing your family care plan.

For more information about documents that a designated family caregiver needs, contact a Military OneSource consultant at 800-342-9647. Your installation legal services/JAG office can also help with any legal documents you need to support your family care plan.

Let Military OneSource and the Military Family Readiness System help you find the resources you need to manage your next deployment. For more information, call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or contact your installation Military and Family Support Center.