Managing Deployments and Separations

Send handwritten letters as frequently as you wish, and number them since they may arrive all at once. For care packages, include basics like soap, socks and deodorant, as well as personal items like photos or children’s artwork.

Follow these tips to make sure your military care package arrives in good condition:

• Seal everything. Use resealable storage bags to protect items from the elements or leaks.
• Use sturdy packaging. Get a free Military Care Kit from the U.S. Postal Service, which includes Priority Mail boxes, tape, custom forms and address labels. Postage is not included.
• Provide accurate shipping information. Include your service member’s unit, last and first name, title, post office label — such as DPO, FPO or APO — and full ZIP code.
• Take advantage of reduced postage for military mail. Standard domestic postage applies to mail going to an APO or FPO address.
• Complete the customs forms. You need to fill out customs forms for any shipping outside the United States. Customs forms are included with Military Care Kits or can be found on the USPS website.
• Consider shipping time. Delivery times can vary, typically taking two weeks. For holidays, allow about five weeks for delivery.
• Be careful what you send. Check the post office’s prohibited items list. Avoid sending valuables or irreplaceable items, as well as anything you don’t want strangers to see.

Technology can help you stay connected with your service member:

• Talk about how often they can call or chat before they deploy, and be patient as they find a work rhythm.
• Recognize the limits of online communication. You may plan to connect with your service member through social media or video and messaging apps, but remember that they may not always be able to communicate online.
• Understand that it is easy to misinterpret messages without seeing body language or hearing a voice. Phrase messages carefully and assume the best.
• Follow operations and personal security guidelines at all times.
• Email your children’s artwork and photos, record video messages or scan valuable and supportive local news stories.

When you can’t talk to your service member often, connect with others who understand — like siblings, fellow parents, friends and loved ones online or in person. Follow the installation’s social media for updates and community support.

Your installation Military and Family Support Center offers services like child care, youth programs, counseling, crisis intervention and more. Connect with other military spouses and “boots on the ground” support for military life experiences from the Military OneSource Blog Brigade.

Support networks, such as Army Family Readiness Group, rear detachment commander, Marine Corps Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program, Air Force Key Spouse and Navy unit ombudsman, offer referrals and support and foster a sense of community through briefings and events.

Contact your installation Military and Family Support Center to identify your point of contact.

The command will serve as your official source for information at home. Know how to communicate with spouse leadership and appointed members of the command to make getting assistance easier during deployment.

Watching the news can raise anxieties and worries about your loved one. Limit news exposure to what you can handle, and rely on your command for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

The military will never email you with sensitive information about your service member. Protect your personal, military and financial data. If you suspect that an email may be a scam, contact your service member to verify whether they sent the message. If they did not, report the would-be scammer.