Deployment Support

Deployments are an inevitable part of military life. Despite the challenges of separation and change, deployments can be managed. Information, planning and skill building are the keys to managing the deployment. Working in concert with command leadership, the family readiness group and ombudsmen, the Fleet and Family Support Center will help provide the necessary information and practical skills that allow service members and family members to cope with deployment challenges.

Years of experience and knowledge about the deployment process make it possible to design a series of informational programs and support services. FFSC provides support during the three stages of the deployment cycle:

• Pre-Deployment Program: covers topics such as the emotional cycles of deployment, financial management, children's reactions, combat stress and inventory of important documents.
• Mid-Deployment Brief: is designed for spouses and children to assist with the ups and downs of a deployment. Topics could be on a variety of issues such as stress management, parenting issues, holiday blues, communication concerns and financial management.
• Return and reunion: FFSC teams ride the ships back to their homeport and present such topics as returning to children, reestablishing intimacy, a variety of financial programs, combat and operational stress awareness, conflict management and communication skills.
• Homecoming: FFSC can provide presentations to the FRG in preparation for the homecoming of their service members. Topics can include reestablishing intimacy, expectations, changes and children.

Children and Deployment

FFSC of Hampton Roads provide age appropriate materials for children whose parent is deploying. These materials are given out during the Pre-deployment Brief or during one-on-one consultations with our deployment specialists. FFSC Hampton Roads have a puppet show geared to helping young children identify and relate to their feelings of concern, anxiety and other emotions or questions they may have about their parent's deployment.

Individual Augmentee Support

Service members can be selected to serve as Individual Augmentees. This can be a voluntary or nonvoluntary assignment depending on the skills needed. Contact FFSC Northwest 757-421-8770 or visit the FFSC website for information regarding resources, support groups and any other questions you might have.