Information Regarding Your Soldiers R & R
Most soldiers that will be deployed for a long period of time will usually get at least one block of leave time. There are many variables when dealing with leave so you must keep in mind that nothing is ever guaranteed. Here are some tips to help you get prepared if you soldiers gets leave from their deployment.
- Your soldier should get a date for when their leave will start. This date is more of a general time frame than an actual date. For example, if your soldier gets a leave date of February 17th, they may not actually be in the United States until February 20th. This can be due to many reason. For example, the soldiers that are set to leave cannot head out until the soldiers currently on leave come home first. Also, keep in mind that a soldiers leave can change due to poor weather conditions. There are many stages to your soldiers trip home and during any one of them flights can be delayed or canceled so never put anything in stone! Leave is always subject to change!!!!!
- Most soldiers will get a block of leave for about 15 days. This leave time does not actually begin the day they start their travel home from their assignment but usually when they set foot on US soil.
- Never make plans for your soldier! When soldiers come home on leave they are usually tired from all the traveling it took to get home. Keep in mind your soldier may not want to be overwhelmed with family plans or parties. It is a good idea to keep an open schedule and give your soldier plenty of time to rest. It is always best to make plans with your soldier or have them make plans as they want to. Now is not the time for surprise parties.
- Some soldiers will want to plan for vacation getaway with their significant others. As the significant other, the best way to do this is to always plan with your soldier! Also, plan on making the reservations in the middle of your soldiers block of leave. This way if they are delayed getting back to the US, you both wont miss your reservation. Its also a good idea to plan ahead with your travel company and let them know that this trip is for a soldier coming home on leave and the dates may change. Most hotels and travel companies are willing to move the dates at no extra charge if you let them know ahead of time.
The Homecoming!
This is the moment we've all been waiting for and counting down the day until it arrives! But what can we expect from our soldiers and our own daily lives? Chances are both your soldier and yourself have been changed in some way from this experience. Here are some tips to help you and your soldier readjust to life together again!
- Your soldiers adjustment period can vary with each soldier and their own experiences while on their deployment. A soldier may be uncomfortable going to a place as common as a mall due to the large crowds that are there. Some soldiers may also be uncomfortable going to theatrical shows or concerts where there are flashing lights and loud noises. Your soldier might not come right out and say these things will bother them so its a good idea to take it slow when getting back into "normal life".
