Reunion sessions, an important part of the UMT's work, require early planning to be effective. Religious support during the reunion phase assists soldiers dealing with the stress of reunion. Army research shows that family problems intensify when spouses return from deployments. Characteristics of the readjustment period, which lasts for about two months, include the emergence of physical symptoms, children's behavior problems, and marital tensions. For many couples, the first weeks of reunion are the most challenging part of the whole deployment experience.
Tensions become most acute during the two weeks before and after the soldiers' return.
As married soldiers encounter reunion issues with spouses, single soldiers will experience reunion struggles with family and friends. Soldiers deployed as individuals or in small detachments also experience reunion problems upon return to their units. Reunion briefings and workshops help to minimize the problems for soldiers, families, and units. These events equip soldiers with coping skills to face the challenge of reintegration to families, peer groups, and units. These sessions help soldiers understand the changes which they and their families have experienced.