The Complete Deployment & Reintegration Guide
Navigate deployment with confidence. Financial planning (earn 10% with SDP), legal preparation, communication strategies, and successful homecoming. You've got this.
Deployment Cycle Phases
Before Deployment: Preparation Phase
Legal Preparations
- Power of Attorney (POA): Visit base legal to prepare Special or General POA (free for active duty)
- Update will: Review beneficiaries and estate planning
- SGLI review: Confirm $500K life insurance and beneficiaries current
- Document copies: Birth certificates, passports, marriage certificate, medical records
Financial Setup
- Set up allotments: Automate bill payments (rent, car, insurance)
- Emergency fund: Build 3-6 months expenses before deploying
- Joint accounts: Ensure spouse has access to all financial accounts
- SCRA benefits: Contact creditors to reduce interest to 6% max on pre-service debts
SDP: The 10% Guaranteed Return
Savings Deposit Program - Military's Best-Kept Secret
What is SDP?
The Savings Deposit Program (SDP) allows service members deployed to designated combat zones to deposit up to $10,000 and earn a guaranteed 10% annual return.
This is risk-free, tax-free money - one of the best financial benefits available to deployed service members.
Eligibility & Rules
- ▸Must be deployed to designated combat zone for 30+ consecutive days
- ▸Maximum deposit: $10,000 (undeployed pay only)
- ▸Interest accrues up to 90 days after redeployment
- ▸Start SDP within 90 days of arrival in combat zone
- ▸Funds returned within 120 days after deployment ends
Calculate Your SDP Potential
A 12-month deployment with maximum $10,000 contribution earns you $1,000+ guaranteed. Our SDP Strategist helps you optimize your contribution strategy.
Calculate My SDP GrowthDuring Deployment: Staying Connected
Communication Options
For Families at Home
Deployment Financial Benefits
IDP
Imminent Danger Pay
Designated hostile fire zones
HDP
Hardship Duty Pay
Difficult living conditions
FSA
Family Separation Allowance
30+ days away from dependents
CZTE
Combat Zone Tax Exclusion
All pay earned in combat zone
Example: 12-Month Deployment (2025 Rates)
- Base Pay (E-5): $3,200
- BAH (with deps): $1,800
- BAS: $460
- IDP: $225
- FSA: $250
- Total: $5,935/mo
- Regular Pay: $71,220
- Tax Savings (CZTE): ~$8,500
- SDP Growth ($10K @ 10%): $1,000
- Extra Income: ~$9,500
Reintegration: Coming Home
Homecoming is a Process, Not an Event
It's normal to feel awkward or experience tension when the service member returns. The deployed member has been in a highly structured environment with specific mission focus, while the at-home spouse has been managing everything solo and establishing new routines. Give it time and communicate openly.
For the Service Member:
- •Ease back into family roles gradually
- •Respect routines spouse established
- •Be patient with children re-bonding
- •Seek counseling if experiencing PTSD symptoms
For the At-Home Spouse:
- •Allow time for readjustment (3-6 months normal)
- •Share responsibilities slowly, not all at once
- •Communicate expectations openly
- •Attend reintegration briefings together
Resources: Military OneSource (24/7 counseling), Chaplain services, TRICARE behavioral health, Fleet & Family Support Center.
Deployment FAQs
What is a Power of Attorney (POA) and which type do I need?
A POA is a legal document giving someone (usually your spouse) authority to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf while you're deployed.
Free Service: Your base legal office can prepare POA documents for free. Schedule appointment 30+ days before deployment if possible.
How long does a typical military deployment last?
Standard deployments typically last 6-12 months, though length varies by branch, mission type, and unit rotation schedule.
- Army: 9-12 months typical
- Navy: 6-9 months (carrier deployments)
- Air Force: 4-6 months (rotating squadrons)
- Marines: 6-7 months (MEU rotations)
- Special Operations: Variable (3-12+ months)
Your unit will provide specific timeline during pre-deployment briefings. Extensions (“stop-loss”) can occur but are now rare.
What financial support is available during deployment?
- • IDP: $225/month (imminent danger zones)
- • HDP: $50-$150/month (hardship duty)
- • FSA: $250/month (30+ days family separation)
- • CZTE: All pay earned in combat zone is tax-free
- • TSP contributions: Can contribute tax-free combat pay to Roth TSP
- • SDP: 10% guaranteed return on up to $10,000
- • Reduced expenses: No rent (if living on base), free meals
- • SCRA benefits: 6% interest rate cap on pre-service debts
Calculate Your SDP Growth
Use our SDP calculator to calculate your earnings with the official 10% guaranteed return (10 USC § 1035).