Boots-On-Ground

Chaplains make phone or email contact with the IA spouse or family member to offer support, encouragement, and linkage to relevant Navy resources, based on the level of care previously agreed to by the sailor. Religious Ministry Teams (RMT) are accessible through Mobile Support Teams and at the Warrior Transition Program (WTP).

Chaplains can teach you about the characteristics of the emotional cycles of deployment.

While deployed Chaplains make phone or email contact with the IA spouse or significant other to offer support, encouragement, and linkage to relevant Navy resources, based on the level of care previously agreed to by the deploying IA Sailor.

RMTs at Commander, Task Force IA (CTF-IA) and the WTP offer the full range of religious ministry services to Sailors during their BOG and redeployment phases

• CTF-IA: While in theater, IAs have access to RMTs in Mobile Support Teams
• WTP: IAs have access to Chaplains when preparing to return home

Pre-deployment and redeployment briefs are a familiar and predictable part of the deployment cycle. However, IA Sailors and family members may not have the opportunity to receive this training and re-training with deploying units, so may need individual instruction concerning the key issues within each of the following:

• Stage 1 - Anticipation of Departure
• Stage 2 - Detachment and Withdrawal
• Stage 3 - Emotional Disorganization
• Stage 4 - Recovery and Stabilization
• Stage 5 - Anticipation of Return
• Stage 6 - Return Adjustment and Renegotiation
• Stage 7 - Reintegration and Stabilization

Sailors and family members may need to be made aware of opportunities for managing stress and encouraged to take part in command-sponsored activities. At the service member’s request, each IA Sailor’s significant other are assigned to an Individual Deployment Support Specialist (IDSS) through the Fleet and Family Support Center. The IDSS will make regular contact by telephone and email with those designated by the Sailor.

Chaplains know R&R leave policies and tips for successful R&R experiences

IA Sailors might be eligible for a two-week period of R&R leave sometime after the midpoint of their tours. These R&R leave periods present challenges as well as opportunities for Sailors and families.

Chaplains can help you normalize common operational and combat stress responses utilizing the OSC model.