The Emotional Stages of a 12 Month Deployment

This is the pamphlet that they gave us upon arriving about what to expect while we are here. I had not looked at again until now, and it is awesome. Some is true for me, some not so much, but there is plenty of ridiculousness too. So, instead of me making snide comments all over it, I am going to give you the chance! Just leave your mockery in the comments. There is plenty to make fun of in this, so go nuts. (This is copied verbatim, so all grammar/spelling errors go with a [sic])

1. Honeymoon: Excitement of the NEW! Like going to Disneyland

2. Wilting: Excitement wears off- loneliness- feel the separation from familiar luxuries (the family, civilian clothes, Mini-Van, etc.) One solution: Make sure you make yourself write to family.

3. Leveling: You realize that you're going to live through the tour- begin to adjust and get a routine (get your bearings) Solution: Set goals for work, PT, courses, etc.

4. 4th Month Slump: You're tired of the grind of the 12 to 18 hour days- gets old- physically, emotionally exhausted. You've realized you just can't work the deployment away. You've just got to find something else to do. Solution: Find positive recreational activities- Holy Scripture studies, AA meetings, sports, crafts, movies, music, etc.

5. Midpoint: You know everything is downhill from here. Mid-tour approach- encourage to take a leave/pass even if brief and only in country. Recommend we find some sort of pass program even if it is merely to CAS where a brief refresher can occur so individual can get their second wind.

6. Post Mid Tour Blues: One of the most difficult things you'll ever do is return to the whirlwind workplace (for formal long unaccompanied tour, this is to leave the family a 2nd time.)

7. Topping out: You can see the end- you are a double digit midget.

8. 11th Month Slump: You look back and have to face what you did with past 11 months- will you "tell all" at home; you're a different person than you were 11 months ago- will the family like the new you (fatter, thinner) will you like the new spouse- more independent- must face the changes- scary thinking of going home. Reintegration Reunion training prepares individual to face these issues and think them through and plan.

9. Home After Shock: Re-entry- like going back to real world you have to readjust your vocabulary... understand alcohol tolerance is down... family expectations will be high... different culture verses military only, etc.