Deployment Support

Soldiers arriving at Fort Drum, New York may be assigned to a unit that is slated for deployment overseas. Deployment is a fact of life in the modern military and Fort Drum's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation works hard to support soldiers and their families as they experience deployment at every stage. Family Resource Center programs, such as Mobilization and Deployment, Financial Readiness, Outreach Services and Family Advocacy, work hard to provide soldiers and family members with the tools and resources needed to prepare for and deal with the emotional rigors of deployment.

Mobilization and Deployment Program

The Mobilization and Deployment program is dedicated to family and soldier readiness. They provide soldiers, their families, family readiness group leaders, commanders including rear detachment, first sergeants, chaplains, activated reserve and National Guard units with the necessary training and resources to ensure mission readiness, including the tools for training and preparing for future deployments and reunions. It is essential Army families are prepared to deal with the rigors and emotional toll of deployments.

Classes and training available:

• Soldier and family readiness group leader training/key contact training
• Pre-deployment briefings
• Reunion briefings
• Care team training
• Informal funds training
• Resilience training

Classes may also be written to support any issue a unit or SFRG requests. Military OneSource offers a wealth of information and resources including downloadable handbooks and brochures to help the military family through deployments. For more information or to set up a class please call 315-772-0509 or DSN 312-772-0509.

Relocation Readiness Program

The RRP offers the Hearts Apart support group for families who are separated from the soldier due to deployment, unaccompanied tour orders and extended temporary duty assignment (more than 90 days). Monthly meetings are geared toward providing a positive environment for spouses to relax, have fun and learn something new. Eligibility to participate begins 30 days prior to the soldier's departure and continues until 30 days after the soldier's return. For more information call 315-772-6566 or DSN 312-772-6566.

Financial Readiness Program

Financial planning and consumer affairs services are offered to help soldiers and their families develop and maintain a realistic family budget, reduce debts, improve their credit, plan for the future through savings and investment, and resolve consumer complaints. The program offers regularly scheduled classes on budgeting, checkbook/debit account management and financial management. Call 315-772-0050 or DSN 312-772-0050 for more information.

Unit Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRG) and the Division Chaplin's Office are additional resources offering classes and support to Family members.