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The Impact of the Emotional Cycles of

Deployment

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Phases of Deployment

Pre-deployment Phase
Deployment Phase
Post Deployment Phase
Reintegration Phase

For service members and their families, deployments encompass more than

the time spent at sea or in a foreign country. There is a cycle that begins long

before the ship or unit departs, and it continues beyond homecoming. For the

different warfare communities — aviation, submarine, surface, expeditionary

and special forces — the cycle may be different, but the overall process is

the same. The deployment cycle consists of four phases: pre-deployment,

deployment, post-deployment and reintegration. You never return to

the same pre-deployment phase; you move forward. You learn, grow and change through your

deployment experiences, making you more resilient and ready for the next deployment.

Pre-Deployment Phase

Before deployment, commands and units go through additional training to prepare for their upcoming

missions. There is an increased operations tempo (OPTEMPO) as equipment is tested and

training intensifies. Service members may be gone for days or weeks at a time, returning home for

brief periods before leaving again to continue training. This period, sometimes referred to as “workups,”

can be stressful due to the uncertainty of the schedule. For families, this is the time to begin

preparing for the longer separation of deployment.

Deployment Phase

The deployment phase begins with the departure of the ship or unit. Facing the extended separation

can result in stess for both service members and their families. For service members, once the ship or

unit has deployed, it becomes a time to focus on the mission at hand. For families, it is a time to adjust

to the absence of their loved ones and develop a new “normal” for the duration of the deployment.

Post-Deployment Phase

Once the ship or unit has returned, there is a brief respite before a return to normal duties. Service

members may be able to take leave during this time, but it is important to remember that leave is

determined by the needs of the command. There may also be opportunities for service members

to attend training, as needed.

Reintegration Phase

The final phase of the deployment cycle. During this time, service members adjust to being home

with loved ones and return to their customary routines and activities. This time can be stressful

for service members and family members as everyone adjusts to being together again. If you are

feeling stressed or anxious, help for dealing with the stress of reintegration is available through your

local Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC).

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The Emotional Cycle of Deployment

Reintegration

and Stabilization

Detachment and Withdrawal

Return and Renegotiation

Emotional Disorganization

Anticipation of Return

Recovery and Stabilization

Anticipation of Departure

PRE-DEPLOYMENT RELEVANT STAGES

Stage 1: Anticipation of Departure

Before deploying, service members may be working

extra hours to prepare for departure. The time apart,

added to the stress of longer working hours, can result in

tension at home.

Stage 2: Detachment and Withdrawal

This second stage usually takes place during the last

week before deployment. This is a period of heightened

anxiety and conflicting emotions.

Stage 3: Emotional Disorganization

During this stage, family members must adjust to the

changes at home. They create new routines as they

assume new responsibilities.

Stage 4: Recovery and Stabilization

The recovery and stabilization stage occurs when

spouses settle into their new routines and realize that

they can manage the family affairs. For spouses, a strong

support network can reduce their stress level and

increase their resiliency.

Stage 5: Anticipation of Return

The anticipation of homecoming may be tinged with anxiety

as spouses consider their changing roles when their service

members return home. Open communication about expectations

for homecoming can help alleviate these concerns.

Stage 6: Return and Renegotiation

After the initial excitement of homecoming has passed, there

is a period of adjustment to new roles and routines. Tension

and arguments may increase as everyone redefines their roles

and responsibilities. Communication is essential to successful

reintegration.

Stage 7: Reintegration and Stabilization

During this final stage, life will normalize. It may take a few

months, but everyone will adjust to the changes. Communication

is the key to successfully dealing with these challenges.

It is hard being separated from our loved ones, especially during times of conflict. If you are like most people, you will experience a roller coaster of emotions and a wide range of responses before, during and after the deployment.

No one experiences deployment in exactly the same way, we do experience a fairly predictable pattern of emotions. There is no such thing as a right or wrong emotional reaction to deployment, and it is likely that every experience will be different. In fact, those who have served multiple deployments say they react differently depending on what is going on in their lives at the time of the deployment.

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Stage 1:�Anticipation of Departure

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	4 to 6 weeks prior to departure
	Working on checklists Spending time with loved ones Getting affairs in order
	Conflicting feelings of denial, anticipation of loss, anger, guilt, resentment, excitement and fear

Time

Behaviors

Feelings

What kinds of things are happening the month before deployment?

Working on deployment checklist
Very busy at work and at home getting everything ready
Trying to be nice to each other and create positive memories
Starting to pick fights, because it is easier to separate from someone when you are angry

Most people begin to anticipate loss four to six weeks before the deployment. However, the height of these emotions typically arises a day or two before deployment.

Spouses may alternately feel denial and anticipation of loss. Arguments and bickering are common. This can be a useful way for a couple to distance themselves emotionally in preparation for the separation.

In the anticipate stage is when you might get that really long “honey-do” lists

Service members and their families should discuss their expectations and concerns before departure in order to alleviate fears and reduce uncertainty. Experienced military family members say that communication during this time is critical to their ability to successfully cope with deployment. During deployments, spouses and family members assume many of the responsibilities normally handled

by the service member.

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Stage 2:�Detachment and Withdrawal

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	Final days before deployment First days/weeks of deployment
	Reality setting in Psychological preparation Emotional separation
	Sadness, depression and Loneliness Worry, fear and guilt Relief the deployment has started Excitement about work ahead

Time

Behaviors

Feelings

What are the first few days or even the first month of deployment like for family members who stay behind while the service member deploys?

Reality is sinking in

- Feeling hurt and rejected

- Tired and overwhelmed

Worried about service member’s safety

What are the first few days or weeks like for the person who deploys?

- Focus on work and do not think about the family

- Sad, depressed or lonely

- Worried about how things are at home

- Relief to get the deployment started so it can end

- Guilt about leaving their family

Excited to do what they have trained to do

Begins in the final days before deployment and may extend to the first few weeks or month after the deployment.

Sadness and anger occur as couples attempt to protect themselves from the hurt of separation. Although physically together, they may have separated emotionally. Often the non-deploying spouses think, “If you have to go, go.” And service members think, “Let’s get on with it!”

In the withdraw phase you might see big blow ups and more anger. Remember that anger is an “easier” emotion to process than the feeling that they have no control and that they are scared and will miss you.

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Stage 3:�Emotional Disorganization

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	Departure day up to 6 weeks after departure
	Adjusting to new responsibilities and routines Adjusting to being alone May become “stuck”
	Overwhelmed with worry and confusion Initial sense of relief Guilt over family and friends left behind

Time

Behaviors

Feelings

What are some typical feelings experienced during the first two months of deployment?

- Disorganized and unfocused

- Overwhelmed

- Emptiness and loss

Worried about taking on new responsibilities. This stage is about adjusting to new responsibilities and being alone. Old routines have been disrupted and new ones have not yet been established.

The non-deploying partner may feel an initial sense of relief followed by guilt. Many feel disorganized, depressed,

overwhelmed, lonely or restless. This sense of disorganization is short-lived. Soon you should begin to realize you

are fundamentally resilient and able to cope with the deployment. If you become stuck in this stage, seek support

from your family, friends or professionals, such as those available at your Fleet and Family Support

Center (FFSC) or via Military OneSource. Seeking support can prevent problems throughout the remainder of the deployment.

Each of us experiences and deals with deployment in our own way. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to ask colleagues, friends and professionals. Deployments are challenging but doable.

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Stage 4:�Recovery and Stabilization

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	Four to six weeks after deployment begins
	New routines established New support sources developed Adjusting to changing dynamics
	Increased confidence Positive outlook

Time

Behaviors

Feelings

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Stage 5:�Anticipation of Return

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	4 to 6 weeks prior to return
	Completing projects or goals before return Consumed with thoughts about reunion Anticipating dealing with change
	Excitement and nervousness about reunion, Anxiety about changes, Worry about family reactions

Time

Behaviors

Feelings

Spouses and partners who remained at home realize that they have not finished everything they wanted to

during the separation. There is a feeling of joy and excitement in anticipation of being together again. Feelings

of apprehension surface that the service member may not like some of the decisions made during their absence.

Service members are excited and anxious, wondering if they will be accepted or needed by their families and if their

children will remember them.

Single service members may not feel the anticipation of homecoming until they are sure they are actually returning

to homeport. When homecoming becomes a reality, they report being eager for some time away from the command.

They may also be concerned that the close friendships they developed may change.

Keeping your stress in check and maintaining a positive mindset during deployment may benefit you and your service

member. Not only may it be a support to your loved one, but it may give you strength as well.

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Stage 6:�Return and Renegotiation

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	4 to 6 weeks post-arrival
	Renegotiating relationships Renegotiating responsibilities Children readjusting Growth as individuals/couples
	Happy about reunion Feel like stranger at home Loss of freedom

Time

Behaviors

Feelings

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Stage 7:�Reintegration and Stabilization

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	Up to six months after return
	Returning to previous routines Pursuing interests outside of work Anticipating next deployment
	Feeling “normal” Relaxed and comfortable Renewed sense of family/couple Emotional connected Resent discipline

Time

Behaviors

Feelings

Reintegration and stabilization phase: This is a long way away for you it seems but it is important to realize this phase can last up to six months AFTER returning. The at home partner gets into a new routine and adjusts to your absence. It is common to feel like strangers when you come home. You may even feel a little bit awkward around each other. Some of the spouses that work with fleet and family that have been through a ton of these always suggest to plan big events with your families during this time. Take that trip to Disney, go visit family. Stay busy and fix your expectations on each other. Another consideration is that if you have children it is really important to give that home parent time without the kids when you return. We always suggest avoiding alcohol during this phase.

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Questions?

Vanessa Burce

Work and Family Life Consultant�619-372-8709

vanessa.o.burce.naf@us.navy.mil

Zelina York

Work and Family Life Consultant�619-510-7042

Zelina.m.York.naf@us.navy.mil

Abraham Pham Nguyen

Work and Family Life Consultant

619-876-7724

Abraham.p.Nguyen.naf@us.navy.mil

Stefanie Hurley

Work and Family Life Consultant

619-380-7136

stefanie.a.hurley.naf@us.navy.mil

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