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Coping with deployment

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  "What should I do after work today?"... "I don't know anyone here, and I don't have anyone to hang out with"... "Man, I miss my family"..."Well, I guess I will just hang out in my room again." These are the common thought patterns among deployed members.

"Deployment to any location is stressful to many Airmen, and can be disruptive to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing's mission if not properly handled," said Master Sgt. Brian McCammon, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group technician, from 181st Fighter Wing Aerospace Medicine Squadron, Indianapolis, Ind.

"During every rotation, thousands of Airmen are deployed here from all over the world.
It can be a shock to those, who are not use to sudden change in their work force, social life and habits," Sergeant McCammon said. "People who are having trouble coping with their deployment may become unfocused and that is when accidents can happen."

Tell-tale signs of a servicemember having a hard time coping to deployment are:
· Someone who spends a lot of time alone
· One who hides in their dorm room after work
· Is reclusive
· Exhibits behavior changes
· Always seems down
· Is constantly late to work 

"If someone is exhibiting signs that concern you, you need to ask them direct questions -- don't sugar coat the words," said Senior Airman Aaron Roberts, 379th Expeditionary Medical Group technician, from the 81st Medical Operations Squadron, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. "Asking if they are thinking of hurting themselves, or if they are doing okay can mean a lot to someone."

There are many programs on base to help servicemembers cope with deployment, including the health fairs, Airmen Readiness Center classes, chaplains and the mental health office, according to Airman Roberts.

"Every medical member serves as an informal confidant," Airman Roberts said. "We have the knowledge to show them where to find the information they need to cope." 

He said they have medical health professionals on hand to provide counseling for deployed members, and they offer programs and resources to help newly deployed Airmen cope with stress.

According to Sergeant McCammon, communication is also very important to having a great deployment.

"We have a Hearts Apart program to help servicemembers communicate with their families and bridge the gap," he said. "Staying in contact with family and friends is very important to all members."

Being involved in after duty activities and staying busy will help servicemembers take their minds off their jobs and make time here enjoyable, Airman Roberts said.

"Get involved with a morale committee such as the Desert 5, or a squadron function," he said. "Try to do your part to make a difference. Your actions will affect others. Stay active. Get a routine going and surround yourself with positive people. Focusing on the positives within your squadron or unit will help to make your time here easier."

For more information on coping with deployment, visit the 379th EMDG's Web site.