The U.S. Air and Space Force is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of our deployed Airmen, Guardians, DoD Civilians, and their families are proactively identified and addressed with care and efficiency. Military and Family Readiness Centers (M&FRCs) serve as the cornerstone of deployment support, offering comprehensive services throughout the entire deployment cycles. These include mobilizations, activations, and deployments lasting more than 30 days. Whether preparing for departure, sustaining connection during separation, or reintegrating upon return, M&FRCs provide essential resources that inform, empower, and strengthen our force and their loved ones.  Pre-deployment, sustainment, and reintegration services that provide information, improve skills, foster competencies, and deliver support and assistance are also offered. M&FRC Readiness NCOs and other M&FRC staff are available to help navigate the unique challenges of military life, evacuations, emergencies, separations including TDYs and remote tours, ensuring every deployer and family member receives guidance and support.

All military members, to include Guard and Reserve, DoD Civilians and their eligible family members who possess a current government-issued identification card are eligible for deployment and mobilization support services.

Pre-deployment support for service members and families begins with a mandatory pre-deployment briefing for the deploying service members. Families are strongly encouraged to attend as their involvement is vital to overall readiness and adaptability.

The key components of the briefing or individual consultation include:

• Emotional and Practical Preparation: Guidance on deployment expectations, managing stress, maintaining communication, and accessing sustainment services
• Return and Reunion Planning: Support for reintegration and post-deployment transitions
• Readiness Essentials: Focused discussions on financial planning, legal preparedness, and personal organization for both the member and their family
• M&FRC staff proactively contact identified family members to inform them of the resources and services available to ensure they are informed of available resources and support services.
• Personal and family readiness is emphasized in three key areas: finances, legal matters, and personal preparation

 Deployment & Sustainment Support for Families

Families of deployed service members have access to a wide range of deployment and sustainment programs throughout the duration of the deployment, designed to promote adaptability, connection, and well-being.

Key support services include:

Stress-Relief Programs: The M&FRC offers initiatives to ease the challenges of deployment, for example:

• Limited free childcare through the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) Give Parents a Break program and lots more.
• Ongoing Communication: M&FRC staff keep families informed through regular newsletters, emails, and phone outreach, ensuring timely updates and access to resources.
• School Liaison Support: School Liaisons collaborate with parents, educators, and local school officials to address the unique emotional and academic needs of children impacted by deployment.
• Community Connection: Programs like Hearts Apart and other sustainment activities foster peer and leadership engagement through:
• Coordinated dinners and family-friendly events
• Informational newsletters and outreach

• Support from the Commander Key Support Liaison Program (CKSP), offering unit-level connection and care

Reintegration/ Redeployment begins 30 days prior to redeployment and lasts up to 30 days upon return. M&FRCs provide reintegration services for Airmen, Guardians, DoD Civilians, and families that may include welcome home events, classes, and workshops on reintegrating into family, community, and workplace. Non-clinical counseling and referral services are available, when necessary, through Military Family Life Counselors (MFLCs).

Post-Deployment begins 30 days after a service member returns to their home station and continues for up to 180 days following deployment. Services focus on reconnecting members with their families, units, communities and enhancing family adaptability. 

Deployment Support Child Care:

For childcare assistance during deployment, please contact your installation Child Development Center or Family Child Care (FCC) Program. They can provide detailed information on available services, eligibility requirements, and any program limitations.

Youth Deployment Support Programs:

Strengthening Military Readiness Through 4-H Youth Development

• The 4-H Military Partnership is a collaborative effort between military organizations and land-grant universities, dedicated to empowering military-connected youth, families, and communities. By integrating research-based programs and resources, the partnership promotes positive youth development through hands-on learning and leadership experiences.
• Recognizing the unique challenges military families face during deployments, 4-H offers consistent, nurturing environments that help children thrive. Through educator training and tailored support, the program builds resilience and fosters the next generation of confident, capable leaders

For even more information on the 4-H Military Partnership: Visit us at https://www.4-hmilitarypartnership.org/

Military OneSource Deployment Support:
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/deployment/
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/tools/military-deployment-checklists/
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/deployment/on-deployment/military-deployment-support/

Joint Services Support for the National Guard:
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/national-guard-reserves/national-guard/

For the Military Deployment Guide, please visit:
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/resources/millife-guides/national-guard-transition-assistance/

Air Force Personnel Center
https://www.afpc.af.mil/Military-and-Family/Deployment-Support/

Air Force Aid Society 
https://afas.org/

DAFI 36-3009, Military and Family Readiness Centers:
https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/dafi36-3009/dafi36-3009.pdf

DoD Instruction 1342.22 – Military Family Readiness:
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/134222p.pdf

TRICARE Deployment Resources
https://tricare.mil/LifeEvents/Moving-When-Deploying/Resources