Deployment

Help at hand during deployment 

Members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines deploy more frequently than personnel in other services. These deployments can be a difficult time not only for serving personnel, but for the families they leave behind. 

That's why the Royal Navy has made a special commitment to helping service personnel's parents, spouses, partners and children maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing during times of separation. 

 

Family and People Support

Deployment cycle

The Emotional Cycle of Deployment was developed by author Kathleen Vestal Logan in the 1980s. It continues to be a valued resource for navigating the unique pressures that face military families during deployment.

Learn more about the deployment cycle

Support for children

Deployments can be a difficult time not only for serving personnel, but for the families they leave behind. That's why the Royal Navy has committed to help maintain the well being of naval families during times of separation. 

Support your children during deployment

Keeping in touch

The Royal Navy recognises and fully appreciates the importance of keeping in touch with your loved ones when they’re on deployment. Find out how it works here.

Stay connected to your loved one

Coping with separation

To help prepare you for when your Serving person goes overseas, this booklet helps to shed light on the emotional hurdles facing Naval families as a result of deployment.

Coping With Separation Booklet

What to do in an emergency?

Every deployment has an emotional impact, whether you’re a first-timer or have years of experience. Recognising the signs and preparing well can make it much easier to cope. Discover the five stages of deployment and see what support is available in each.

“The Emotional Cycle of Deployment” was first developed by Kathleen Vestal Logan, M.S., M.A. 

Family

Circumstances may arise, such as a death in the family or a serious illness, which make it necessary for your serving person to return home.

Serving person is overseas

If it is necessary for your serving person to return from overseas you should contact;

The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) on 01452 519 951. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Service person is in the UK

If an emergency situation arises while you serving person is in the UK you should contact;

Royal Navy Family and People Support (RN FPS) Portal on 0800 145 6088.

Lines are open:

Monday - Friday  8:00am-8:00pm       Saturday & Sunday (and Public Holidays)  8:00am-4:00pm


Outside of these hours, contact the Officer of the Watch;

Portsmouth - 02392 723875

Plymouth - 01752 555220

Faslane - 01436 674321 ext 4005

Yeovilton - 01935 455444

Serving Personnel

As deployment approaches, it’s common to feel the stresses that come with anticipation and a sense of loss. 

What can I expect?


It can be hard to accept that partners are going to leave, causing unexpressed anger to surface. This is a naturally emotional time, so these tensions and some arguments are not unusual.

Restlessness, depression or irritability are also common at this stage. Deployed personnel often feel a sense of guilt, while their loved ones may be angry or resentful.

Who is affected?

All the family will be feeling emotional tension at this stage. It’s common to internalise these feelings to preserve the wellbeing of the person being deployed, however it is also constructive to be open and candid. These conversations can sometimes be painful and stressful, but this is outweighed by clearing the air, so you can be there for one another.

How can I prepare?

In the time leading up to deployment, there are some practical areas to consider to avoid unnecessary last minute stress and maximise time to enjoy together as a family.

Utilities
Do you know how to turn off the water, gas and electricity? Or how the heating system works? Who is your service provider? If not, find out before a loved one deploys.

Documentation
Make sure you know where all important documents are kept.

Renewal dates
Make a list of when important things need renewing. For example, you need to be aware when your car tax, MOT, car service, and insurances are due.

Will
Make sure you know where your will is to remove any worry.

Property
If your property is going to be empty for some time, check that your home and its contents are insured. It may be worth considering re-directing your mail and giving a door key to a neighbour.

Financial

In association with the British Legion and the Ministry of Defence, MoneyForce has been established as the home of financial guidance for UK Service Personnel and their families.