Readiness and Deployment Support

Marine Corps Family Team Building’s Readiness and Deployment Support services proactively reach out and support the Command Family Readiness Teams, as well as the individual Marine and his/her family members, in readiness related issues to include:  mission events, life events, and career events.
Ready Marines and families:

• Are prepared for family separations and life events
• Understand the additional responsibilities that will fall on the family when the Marine departs
• Are knowledgeable of benefits, entitlements, programs, and services
• Are knowledgeable of command structure and resources available to assist and contribute to personal and family readiness goals
• Use family readiness training for awareness and self-help needs

Readiness and Deployment Support programs include:  Pre-Deployment Briefs for Marines and families, Kids-N-Deployment Workshops, Beyond the Brief Workshops, In-the-Midst Workshops, Kids In-the-Midst Workshops, Return & Reunion Briefs for Spouses, and Kids-N-Reunion Workshops.  Expanded descriptions of the above mentioned briefs and workshops follow.
Pre-Deployment Briefs are requested by individual commands and MCFTB’s Readiness and Deployment Support Trainer works closely with the unit/squadron Family Readiness Officer to organize the event.  They are designed to give Marines and family members an introduction to resources, and assist with the planning and preparation portion of deployment/separation.
Kids-N-Deployment Workshops teach parents and their children the tools needed to positively and successfully cope during deployment.  Large and small group discussions include topics such as how children communicate, family roles and routines during deployment, ways in which to keep children in touch with their deployed parent, and much more.  Deployment can be emotionally challenging for families, especially children.  This workshop is designed for parents and children to attend together and will help parents to help their children.
During a Pre-Deployment Brief a Marine and his/her family are given basic and summarized information pertaining to the challenges of separation/deployment and how to prepare for those challenges.  Beyond the Brief Workshops are designed to take that introduction of information to the next level, delving deeper into the topics that were only briefly discussed at the Pre-Deployment Brief.  Topics to be expanded upon include the following:

• Deployment Stress & Coping provides participants with an understanding of the stress continuum as it relates to Marines, spouses and children as well as gives them skills for coping.  Participants will learn about managing stress and building resiliency, and gain knowledge of the resources available when stress becomes something unmanageable.

• Understanding the Money provides participants with a better understanding of a variety of financial topics to include: basic budgeting, planning for financial emergencies, the legal side of finances, and the importance of wise financial planning.
• Safe and Sound at Home empowers participants with the ability and confidence to be responsible for their own personal safety.  Participants will learn how to identify potential threats, how to respond effectively to a confrontation or dangerous situation, and learn what is necessary to prepare for natural disasters of any sort.
• Combat Operational Stress Control educates participants on what Combat Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) really are and the differences between the two.  Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of combat related stress and PTSD, recognize the effects it can have on families, and also ways to cope with the stress.
• Casualty Assistance Calls Officer – The Process educates spouses on the process of Casualty Assistance and reassures them that they will be taken care of in every way possible should the need arise.  Please note that this course is not to scare spouses, only to educate them on processes and benefits.

Marines and their family members prepare to face a deployment by attending a Pre-Deployment Brief.  In turn, they prepare for homecoming by attending a Return and Reunion Brief.  In-the-Midst Workshops, however, are designed to help sustain spouses through the deployment.  The Workshops are fun and energetic and allow spouses to relax and focus on themselves while addressing deployment-related issues such as lower levels of energy, the importance of taking care of oneself, and not over-extending.  In-the-Midst Workshops follow the F.E.A.R. Not acronym:

• Fun – There will be some learning that takes place, but the true goal of this venue is to have fun!  In fact each workshop is themed for maximum fun!
• Educational – Educational tools such as simple home repair, fast tips for the kitchen, or simple car care and maintenance are provided.
• Avenue for Communication – We can all improve upon our communication skills!  Tips for communicating with the deployed spouse as well as children, co-workers, friends, and even strangers will be discussed.
• Relaxing – Military spouses must do everything during a deployment, but setting aside time to relax is important!  Spouses will learn how to relax, and how to recognize stress and how to prevent their bodies from being overwhelmed by it.
• Networking – Although it may feel like it sometimes, military spouses are never alone and attending this workshop will provide them with one more opportunity to expand upon existing support systems, friendships, and professional acquaintances.

Like In-the-Midst Workshops, Kids In-the-Midst Workshops are designed to sustain military children throughout a deployment.  The workshops consist of four venues and are based on the S.T.A.R. Kids acronym: Standing Together and Reaching Kids.  The four venues are designed to give children, ages 4 to 18, F.E.E.T. or Fun, Educational, and Exciting Tools that help them cope with military life.  Each venue will equip children with skills and knowledge to assist them through life as a member of a military family.

• Venue One:  Feelin’ Like a Star gives children an understanding of nutrition, exercise, and fitness
• Venue Two:  Actin’ Like a Star helps children to be emotionally aware and learn to communicate
• Venue Three:  Chillin’ Like a Star give children tools for managing stress and relaxation through play
• Venue Four:  Livin’ Like a Star gives children an understanding of positive character traits and the importance of making connections with other people

As a deployment cycle comes to its end, the process of return and reunion begins.  Return and Reunion Briefs for Spouses are requested by individual unit/squadron Family Readiness Officers who work closely, once again, with MCFTB’s Readiness and Deployment Support Trainer.  Spouses will participate in facilitated small group discussion, enhanced by a Return and Reunion Workbook, covering such topics as homecoming plans, communication, the stress continuum, Combat Operational Stress Control, and post-deployment finances. 
Likewise, a Kids-N-Reunion Workshop is also available to offer both parents and children the tools necessary to positively and successfully adjust to the return of the deployed parent.  This fun workshop includes a puppet show, arts and crafts projects, and facilitated small group discussions in age appropriate groups.
Registration is required in order to attend the Beyond the Brief Workshops and/or the In the Midst Workshops.   The remaining Briefs and Workshops are requested by individual unit/squadron Family Readiness Officers.  All classes are free, include child-care services at no cost to the participant, and all learning materials are provided on site.  For more information or to register please contact the Readiness and Deployment Support Trainer at (928) 269-6544.