The following list of web resources provides links to various Department of the Army and Depertment of Defense and other government agencies and programs specifically designed to help families prepare for deployment, learn how to handle the stresses of separation, and enjoy a happy and healthy reunion.
Additional resources to assist parents and children during deployment of a parent or other loved one can be found on our Children and Youth web page. Please visit our Charities Supporting Soldiers and Families web page to learn about the many not-for-profit initiatives which can provide emergency assistance and other services to help Soldiers and families through deployment.
Army Families Online
The official website of the Army's well-being office provides Army families with information and resources covering all aspects of military life.
Army Knowledge Online (AKO)
AKO is an online tool to help military families stay connected. Family members of Servicemembers can sign up for a guest user account to keep in touch with a deployed loved one.
Army Reserve Family Programs
Provides information on deployment, mobilization, child and youth services, financial readiness. The website also includes publications for download and a directory of regional Reserve Family Programs staff.
Family Readiness Group Leader Forum
An online forum for FRG leaders. Registration and an AKO account are required to enter this site.
Military HOMEFRONT
A Department of Defense website providing a wealth of information about military life and deployment.
MyArmyLifeToo.com
The online portal of the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command provides information about Army Community Service programs for families as well as articles and other resources. It has a special section for managing deployment.
National Guard Mobilization References
Information for members of the National Guard, their families, and employers during the periods of pre-mobilization, mobilization and post-mobalization.
National Guard Bureau Guide for Parents
This guide for parents contains information about the history of the National Guard, the deployment cycle and deployment support. (PDF Format)
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs
Reserve Component personnel and their families can find a wealth of resources on this website including information about employment rights, mobilization and health care. The site also offers guides to deployment, family readiness, and Reserve Component benefits for download.
Returning From The War Zone: A Guide for Families of Military Members
The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder developed a manual to help families with military members returning from war. The manual is available free of charge for download.
Strong Bonds
Strong Bonds is a unit-based, chaplain-led program that helps soldiers and their families build strong relationships. Strong Bonds will also connect soldiers and their families to community resources in their area to find other families going through similar hardships.
Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act (USERRA)
Guide to financial benefits and employment protections for mobilized National Guard and Reserve Component personnel.
US Central Command Rest and Recuperation Leave Program
Information about policies and procedures allowing deployed Central Command troops to take a period of rest and recuperation leave.
US Department of Defense Deployment Health Clinical Center (DHCC)
DHCC’s goal is to educate and support Servicemembers and their families with deployment related health concerns.
US Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration
Information about benefits and employment protections available to Reserve component personnel who are called to active duty.