Respect how your family has coped without you. And if you and your spouse had problems before you left, the problems will still be there when you get back. But if you keep in touch, you won't come back after 120 days without a clue. Communication is the key. To stay in touch with family and friends during a TDY, Porter recommends using morale calls or sending e-mail to family members and friends.
Single members can make tapes of where they live to send to parents or friends at home.
Because mission readiness hinges on family readiness. A management consultant firm for the Air Force surveyed 2,250 commanders and first sergeants in 1995. The survey brought out two clear messages, according to Lt. Col. David S. Wolpert, chief of family research for the Air Force civilian personnel office human resources development division. If families and their needs are taken care of, the mission goes more smoothly. The survey also indicated commanders and first sergeants most frequently dealt with marital concerns, financial concerns, alcohol abuse, job-related stress and family concerns regarding temporary duty and deployments.