Reintegration Resources
Support and guidance for transitioning back home after deployment
Welcome Home
Thank you for your service. Reintegration takes time, patience, and effort from the whole family. You've accomplished something incredible - now give yourself the time and grace to readjust. Support is available whenever you need it.
Understanding the Reintegration Timeline
Common Challenges:
- Sleep schedule adjustment
- Sensory overload from stimuli
- Re-learning household routines
- Children may be clingy or distant
Tips:
- Take it slow - don't overcommit
- Maintain some deployment routines initially
- Accept that adjustment takes time
- Give yourself grace for irritability or fatigue
Common Challenges:
- Role confusion (who does what)
- Different parenting styles
- Missing deployment camaraderie
- Spouse has new independence
Tips:
- Communicate openly about expectations
- Gradually resume responsibilities
- Appreciate changes spouse made
- Find new shared activities
Common Challenges:
- Underlying issues may surface
- Financial adjustments (less deployment pay)
- Career transition if separating
- Persistent mental health concerns
Tips:
- Seek counseling if needed - no shame
- Reconnect intentionally with spouse
- Re-establish family traditions
- Stay connected with battle buddies
Administrative
- Complete Post-Deployment Health Assessment (DD 2796)
- Attend reintegration briefings
- Update emergency contact info if needed
- Review and update SGLI beneficiaries
- File travel voucher within 5 days
Medical
- Schedule post-deployment health screening
- Dental checkup
- Complete any required follow-up appointments
- Address any deployment-related injuries/illness
- Mental health screening
Financial
- Review bank accounts and investments
- Cancel deployment-related allotments if needed
- Review/update budget for reduced pay
- Check credit report for any issues
- Verify SDP withdrawal if applicable
Legal
- Review and update will if needed
- Revoke temporary POAs if desired
- Update vehicle registration if needed
- Review any contracts signed during deployment
Family
- Plan quality time (but don't overschedule)
- Reestablish routines gradually
- Schedule family counseling if needed
- Reconnect with children individually
- Plan a getaway with spouse
Mental Health Resources
Free, confidential counseling for service members and families. 12 free sessions per issue.
Immediate support for veterans and service members in crisis.
Community-based counseling for combat veterans and families. No VA enrollment required.
Free mental health services from licensed professionals for military members.
Resources for psychological health concerns. Combat stress, PTSD, TBI information.
Free mental health care for post-9/11 veterans and families.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Combat stress and PTSD are treatable. Early intervention leads to better outcomes. You are not alone.
Tips for the Whole Family
- Share decision-making again gradually
- Communicate changes that happened while apart
- Be patient with readjustment timeline
- Plan regular date nights
- Seek couples counseling proactively
- Maintain routines for stability
- Let them express feelings freely
- Reintegrate returning parent into activities slowly
- Don't force immediate closeness
- Consider family counseling
- Be patient with yourself and family
- Communicate your needs clearly
- Accept help from others
- Maintain healthy habits (sleep, exercise)
- Stay connected with unit members