Deployment cycle support program benefits soldiers

Army Reserve Magazine, Spring, 2005

When Soldiers redeploy from an overseas operation or complete a CONUS-based mobilization, they have a strong desire to get home as quickly as possible. In the redeploying process, all Soldiers go through the Army's Deployment Cycle Support (DCS) Program, but they don't fully appreciate what they are experiencing. "Because of their intent to get home quickly, they may not be in a listening mode at a critical time in the redeploying/demobilizing process," says Terrance Spoon, Well-Being Program Manager with the U.S. Army Reserve.

"This is unfortunate because many (Soldiers) don't fully understand the full range of benefits available to them, and the support that is in place to help them deal with readjusting back to civilian life," Spoon said. "This support can provide reunion help with spouses and children, employment/reemployment assistance, medical treatment, and personal social readjustment."

DCS is a Commander's program and Sergeants' business. It is the Army's three-phased personnel operation plan for the return of all mobilized and deployed Soldiers and DA civilians. Its purpose is to reintroduce Army personnel into pre-conflict environments to facilitate reconstitution of families, Soldiers' and deployed civilians' individual lives, and the force. Its major components are education, assessment, and processing.

According to Spoon, DCS is conducted in-depth. Phase I (Redeployment) begins when the unit is released from its mission and reports to the rear assembly area in theater. Phase 2 (Demobilization) involves executing five to seven days of reintegration training at the Power Projection Platform from which the unit mobilized. Phase 3 (Reconstitution) occurs at Home Station during unit battle assemblies and consists of a series of sustainment tasks. All tasks on the DCS checklist must be completed. Any task not completed in a previous phase must be accomplished during the next phase.

Spoon points out that effective two-way communication between in-theater commanders and their rear detachments is essential for successful completion of DCS. As the primary conduit for information between forward deployed units and their Family Readiness Groups (FRGs), rear detachments are responsible for communicating redeployment travel plans to families.

Additionally, Rear Detachment Commanders (RDCs) are responsible for the completion of all actions identified in the DCS Concept Plan for Global War on Terrorism Post Conflict/Mobilization Personnel Operations, otherwise known as the DCS CONPLAN, that are to be accomplished by Army Reserve families to facilitate their reunion with returning Soldiers. This includes reintegration training for spouses and family members, marital assessments, the identification of high risk spouses and family members, and ensuring behavioral health assets are available to provide assistance in individual reconstitution.

Army One Source (AOS) is a great tool that is available 24/7 at 1-800-464-8107. It provides personalized support for any issue with private consultation in person or over the phone, and referrals to military and community resources.

The full range of medical and dental benefits is significant. Soldiers need to know what they are entitled to. To receive assistance, Soldiers and family members may call TRICARE at 1-800-700-8646, M-F 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (EST). Soldiers are eligible for Army Career Alumni Program (ACAP) services, including one-on-one career counseling, resume assistance, and workshops, for 180 days after release from active duty (REFRAD). ACAP help is available at 1-877-722-2270, M-F, 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (EST).