Military Families Find Support Through Deployment Challenges

A soldier reunites with a loved one in Harrisburg, Pa., March 26, 2025, upon returning from a mobilization to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. — Military families face unique emotional challenges during a service member’s deployment, navigating a seven-stage process known as the Emotional Cycle of Deployment. Resources like Military OneSource, installation-based support centers, and the Army Family Advocacy Program provide critical assistance, though gaps in support for diverse needs persist.

The Emotional Cycle of Deployment, detailed by Military OneSource, begins with Anticipation of Departure, occurring four to six weeks before deployment. Families often experience tension and may deny the impending separation. About one week before departure, the Detachment and Withdrawal stage brings emotional distance and increased arguments as families prepare for the change.

During the first month of deployment, the Emotional Disorganization stage is marked by numbness and difficulty adjusting to new responsibilities. Studies in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry indicate that children of deployed parents face heightened risks of depression, particularly during extended absences. The Recovery and Stabilization stage, starting three to five weeks into deployment, sees families establishing routines and gaining confidence in their independence.

Approximately six weeks before a service member’s return, the Anticipation of Return stage sparks excitement but also anxiety about shifting roles. The Return Adjustment and Renegotiation stage follows, where families adapt to the service member’s presence and address issues like combat stress effects. The final stage, Reintegration and Stabilization, can last six months or more, with families rebuilding unity and communication.

Military OneSource, accessible 24/7 at 800-342-9647 or online, offers confidential counseling, parenting resources, and deployment guides to support families through these stages. Military and Family Support Centers at installations like Joint Base Andrews provide services including financial counseling, youth programs, and relocation assistance, available to all service branches. The Army Family Advocacy Program, operating at bases like Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, focuses on preventing domestic and child abuse through counseling, education, and a 24-hour hotline for safety planning.

Digital tools enhance support. Sandboxx, a mobile app developed by military personnel, facilitates communication and provides news updates. Parenting2Go, another app, aids reintegration, though its long-term impact is still under evaluation.

Despite these resources, challenges remain. A scoping review in the Journal of Veterans Studies highlights a lack of interventions for non-North American military populations and an overemphasis on PTSD rather than general stress from life transitions. Frequent short-term deployments can prolong emotional disorganization, and unreliable communication during deployments adds stress, according to Military.com. Community support, such as acknowledging military spouses’ contributions, can reduce stress, particularly for children, per the American Psychological Association.

Military OneSource and installation programs remain vital for addressing the Emotional Cycle of Deployment, but expanding access to diverse, non-PTSD-focused interventions could further strengthen family resilience.