MOBILIZATION/SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES

Units or individuals are alerted for possible deployment and undergo preparation. During the mobilization stage, DCS tasks consisting of administrative actions, briefings, training, counseling, and medical evaluations are completed to ensure all Soldiers and their families are prepared for extended deployments.

 

DEPLOYMENT/ SEPARATION FROM FAMILY

A deployment is basically when a Soldier is called to duty somewhere other than home station without his or her family members. Most deployments are for 179 days, however in a war or other crisis situation, the needs of the mission will dictate how long the Soldier is deployed. Up to 179 days is usually called a TCS or temporary change of station. This means the Soldier is still basically assigned to the unit at home station, but is temporarily assigned to a different location. If the deployment is part of a regular rotation, such as 364-day deployments to Korea, this is called a short overseas tour. It is important to know the type of deployment the Soldier is going on as this affects pay and benefits, even for regular active duty personnel.

 

EMPLOYMENT/ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION

During the employment stage, units or individuals perform their assigned mission in support of the Joint Force Commander for a prescribed period of time. Employment stage tasks include recurring administrative actions and briefings, training, and counseling for Soldiers departing theater on emergency leave, R&R, and medical evacuation.

 

RE-DEPLOYMENT/RELOCATION, PREPARING TO RETURN

During re-deployment, the Soldier is preparing to return to home station. The family must prepare as well as this will be another time of mixed emotions. Soldiers will be ready to return and happy to be home, yet they may feel guilty about the things they have missed, especially if the Soldier has children. The Soldier may be proud of his or her family for doing so well without them, but at the same time, now feeling unneeded. Patience and communication, by both the family members and the Soldiers can help with the transition during this phase.

 

POST-DEPLOYMENT/REINTEGRATION, THE RETURN

The post-deployment phase may last for several months. This is the time when the Soldier is trying to rejoin his or her life and the lives of loved ones. The Soldier may feel ill for a while as he or she adjusts to the change in air, weather, food, water and schedule. He or she will not be ready to jump back into the old routine, even though they want to very much. In addition to the adjustments at home, Soldiers will be adjusting to returning to their regular jobs. Fellow Soldiers who did not go on the deployment may want the Soldier to tell “war stories’ the Soldier is not ready to share. The change in the daily tempo may make Soldiers feel restless and anxious. All of these adjustments take time, but with supportive, understanding friends and family, a Soldier can return to a normal life.

 

RECONSTITUTION/REINTEGRATION INTO THE FAMILY LIFE

Soldiers and DA civilians continue the process of reintegrating into their families, communities, and civilian jobs. The reconstitution stage begins after completing post-deployment recovery and administrative requirements. Administrative actions, briefings, training, counseling, and medical evaluations are completed during the reconstitution stage.

  

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