An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Re-Deployment!

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Jerome L. Blackwell
  • 451st EAMXS First Sergeant
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  At some point in time we all must leave this great place we know as Kandahar and head back to our families and co-workers at home station. The transition from deployed life back to family/home station life can be difficult for some but before I get into that lets make sure we get out of the AOR on a good note. Remember, just because you are leaving within the next 60 days does not give you the right to become complacent. I know, I know, you have heard this a thousand times but we still have folks who don't know how to "finish strong!" Make sure you continue to follow instructions, don't cut corners, and please don't put yourself in the position to become that guy or gal that had a great 175 days but on day 176 you let your guard down. So please make sure to run through the tape at the finish line!

Now, once you get back to home station you must remember that husband, wife, girlfriend, or boyfriend has been running the show for the last 4-6 months. They got their daily routine down to a science. Don't try to go in and change things right away, slowly insert your way back into their lives a little at a time. For the single crowd, don't try to party like you've never partied before, do everything in moderation. This goes for those who like to partake in alcoholic beverages, you have been "dry" for awhile so please take it easy! These are just a few things that may help your transition back into the home station life a little easier.

For some, transitioning back into home station life may not be so easy. There could be problems that started before the member deployed or problems that occurred during the deployment. What I advise members who find themselves in those type situations is to seek help. Whether it is talking to the Shirt, the Chaplain, The Military Family and Life Consultant (MFLC) or Military One Source, please don't feel like you have to go at it alone. Depending on what installation you come from they also offer resilience classes to help with the transition. Just know that these programs were put in place for good reason so please if you need them, use them.

To sum it all up, make sure you keep your head on a swivel and your guard up while in the AOR and if you find yourself going down the wrong road once you return home please seek help!