I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e 35 th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base As of:1 Return and Reunion Integrated Delivery System Chapel Life Skills Youth Services Family Support Center Health and Wellness Center

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! As of:2 Why This Briefing? Help phase back into home, community and work environments Identify common homecoming concerns Recognize changes in relationships Identify and address potential challenges Help differentiate expectations from realities Return you to duty, ready and eager to go.

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 3 Overview Reintegration Practical Issues Reintegration Stress Dealing with Stress Reunion with family

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 4 Reintegration The PROCESS of airmen and civilians returning back into a stable and normal environment Reintegration is a SLOW process Remember you will have to achieve a new normal in relationships.

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 5 Practical Issues In-Processing Unit Deployment Manager Commanders Support Staff MPR/PRU, update MILPDS & MANPER-B Medical Life Skills Support Center Dental Family Practice/Flight Medicine Public Health Family Advocacy Legal Terminate powers of attorney Claims

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 6 Practical Issues Financial Matters Travel voucher/entitlement changes Government Travel Card Family/personal budget Utilities (phone, gas, water, electric) AAFES (layaway, STAR card) Vehicles Registration and maintenance Insurance, JCI Drivers license

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! As of:7 Return and Reunion Possible thoughts and feelings Proud of accomplishments Want to reestablish living situation Financial concerns Social life/ significant others Work reunion Singles are often overlooked

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 8 Practical Tips Put your house back in order New roommate/residence if single Recognize changes in self and others Different living environment Changes in social circle Assess relationships Friends and Family Focus on present and future Limit use of alcohol Be patient with self and others

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 9 Marriage and Reintegration Anticipation Changes at home Trust / fidelity Communication Intimacy May be a major adjustment Re-establish intimacy slowly and naturally Talk about how you feel and think Be sensitive to how your partner feels and thinks

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 10 Stress and Reintegration From the desert to the front porch Redeployment/reintegration sounds easy NORMAL may be very stressful Seek help: Chapel, unit, friends, Life Skills, Hospital, Family Support Center, etc.

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 11 Stress and Reintegration Signs of Stress Physical Behavioral Cognitive (thoughts) Emotional

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 12 Stress and Reintegration Physical Signs Upset stomach, nausea Diarrhea, constipation Heart pounding, dizzy or lightheaded, out of breath, cold sweat, dry mouth, or pale skin Headaches, migraines Vague aches and pains Impotence

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 13 Stress and Reintegration Behavioral Signs Changes in eating habits Changes in sleeping patterns Fatigues, lack of energy Jumpiness, fidgety Bad personal hygiene Crying spells Withdrawal, avoidance of others Increase in alcohol use Disregard for rules, regulations, social norms

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 14 Stress and Reintegration Cognitive Signs Poor concentration Difficulty in making decisions Flashbacks Unwanted thoughts Nightmares Spaced out or trouble focusing Memory problems

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 15 Stress and Reintegration Emotional signs Loss of motivation Loss of purpose or direction Lost of trust/confidence in leaders Frustration, anger, impatience, irritability Depression, sadness Worried, anxious, keyed up Guilt, shame Numb (dont feel anything) Thoughts of hurting self or others

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 16 Stress and Reintegration Signs of distress (time to get professional help) Post-traumatic stress Definition Signs and symptoms Bizarre or unusual behavior Domestic violence Abuse of alcohol Signs and symptoms Thinking about suicide

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 17 Stress solutions Take care of yourself! Mentally Physically Emotionally Communicate! Develop or renew outside interests Allow for space and time Establish realistic expectations Positive thinking Seek help

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! As of:18 Resources Chain of Command Supervisors Family Support Center Medical Group Life Skills Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) Chaplains Legal Red Cross Family and friends Single Airmen Extreme Air Force One Source You are never alone!

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 19 Its all about change Changes in work environment Change of work pace Mission/duty changes Resentment from co-workers Added workload due to TDY Deployment war stories Not part of real mission Staff turnover

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 20 Deployments are a way of life in our Air Force a Stumbling Block or a Building Block The strength of our force and our families depends on you making the right choice Additional information for parents follows!

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 21 Children and Reintegration Normal Development Reactions Infant(Birth to 1 year) Toddlers(1 – 3 years) Pre-school(3 – 5 years) School Age(5 – 12 years) Teenagers13 – 18 years)

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 22 Children and Reintegration: Birth to One Year Infants: Their world is very small Eat, sleep, cry, and eliminate – often Depend on parents for everything Grow rapidly Senses develop quickly Reactions to parents return: Cry or fuss Pull away from returning parent Have problems with elimination Change their schedule (eating and sleeping)

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 23 Children and Reintegration: One – Three Years Toddlers: Excitement Very active Independent Self-centered Repeat words and phrases Reactions to parents return: Shy Avoid returning parent Cry, pull away Temper tantrums

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 24 Children and Reintegration: Three – Five Years Pre-schoolers: Very active Imitate adults Active imagination Ask lots of questions Reactions to parents return: Anger Need proof you are real Compete for attention Act out Need time to warm up to you

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 25 Children and Reintegration: Five – Twelve Years School Age Children: Appetite and growth have increased High energy level Daydream Very sensitive to criticism and evaluation Reactions to parents return: Joy, excitement Anxiety with changing roles Compete with parent(s) Desire recognition Seek attention Attempt to split parents

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 26 Children and Reintegration: Thirteen – Eighteen Years Teenagers: Responsible one minute & irresponsible the next Moody Experienced in rapid changes Independent, but still need guidance Reactions to parents return: Relief Excited Guilt Concerned about roles and responsibilities

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 27 Parenting and Reintegration Go slow, ease back into parenting roles and discipline Dont give into demands of guild Be realistic Be flexible Seek information on child development Spend one-on-one time with each child Be giving of your time and energy Communicate

A t t a c k t o D e f e n d ! 28 Conclusion Questions?