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DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS NATIONAL CENTER FOR PTSD
HOMECOMING AFTER DEPLOYMENT
TIPS FOR REUNION
Iraq War Clinician Guide 207 Appendix J
A NATIONAL CENTER FOR PTSD FACT SHEET
Pamela J. Swales, Ph.D.
"FREEDOM IS NOT FREE"
Our care, concern and
Services, Are!
Reunion is part of the deployment cycle and is filled with joy and stress.
The following tips can help you have the best possible reunion.
Tips for Soldiers:
• Support good things your family has done.
• Take time to talk with your spouse and children.
• Make individual time for each child and your spouse.
• Go slowly when reestablishing your place in the family.
• Be prepared to make some adjustments.
• Romantic conversation can lead to more enjoyable sex.
• Make your savings last longer.
• Take time to listen and to talk with loved ones.
• Go easy on partying.
Tips for Spouses for Reunion:
• Avoid scheduling too many things.
• Go slowly in making adjustments.
• You and your soldier may need time for yourself.
• Remind soldier he or she is still needed in the family.
• Discuss splitting up family chores.
• Stick to your budget until you’ve had time to talk it through.
• Along with time for the family, make individual time to talk.
• Be patient with yourself and your partner.
Tips for Reunion with Children:
• Go slowly. Adapt to the rules and routines already in place.
• Let the child set the pace for getting to know you again.
• Learn from how your spouse managed the children.
• Be available to your child, both with time and with your emotions.
• Delay making changes in rules and routines for a few weeks.
• Expect that the family will not be the same as before you left; everyone has changed.
• Focus on successes with your children; limit your criticisms.
• Encourage children to tell you about what happened during the separation.
• Make individual time for each child and your spouse.
Source: US Department of the Army. Homecoming after Deployment: Tips for Reunion. US Army Medical
Department Center and School, Combat Stress Actions Office, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio Texas.
Modification of materials prepared by 101st Airborne Division Mental Health Section for the Persian Gulf
War (1991).
