After your mission is over, you will be required to turn-in your issued equipment. Completing the steps below before arriving at the Navy WTP Sembach, Germany will help you to get home sooner. If you are not coming back through Germany, you will complete this process before you get on the plane.
Use the directions below as you pack your gear for re-deployment:
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Clean your weapons (M9, M4 or M16).
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Separate your personal items from organizational issued equipment and gear. Use a separate bag for your personal items that you will want to take home.
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Inspect all equipment (OC and IE, RFI gear) and remove any gear adrift or personal belongings.
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Clean your body armor vest (IBA) with soap, water, and brush, in accordance with manufacturer’s instruction printed inside of vest.
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Separate all the attachments from equipment belt (Molle gear, Canteen Pouches, etc).
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Separate/disassemble helmet cover, chin strap, and unscrew all attachments on combat helmet.
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Goggles
Note: Not everyone will have been issued everything on the Gear Turn-in Form, but if you have any if the items listed you need to return them. If you mailed anything back to the U.S. or left them before you departed, you need to retrieve those items to turn them in or you will eventually be charged for each item by the Army.
Items that do not have to be returned:
Items (exceptions to the guidelines) that do have to be returned:
To save yourself time, separate the items you need to return from the items you do not and your personal items. Bring only the items to be turned in to gear drop. Everyone will need to turn in two seabags. Ensure everything is clean and free of sand and dirt. It does not matter if you have marked your name on items; they still need to be returned.
Special note about sleep systems: All five pieces (including the bag) must be turned in. If there are any missing pieces, a DD-200 will need to be filled out.
Do not discard uniform items in trash cans anywhere in theater. There are specific uniform turn-in locations at WTP to discard uniforms if you desire. Make sure you keep one uniform and a soft cover for flying back to the U.S. if you are on one of the scheduled flights and for reporting back to ECRC Norfolk.
REINTEGRATION
Report to Navy Reporting Activity NRC/NRA (RC) or Parent Command (AC) for final stage of return and reintegration.
WHAT TO EXPECT
You will return to your NRC/NRA (RC) or Parent Command (AC). This final stage will include administrative tasks and the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment, as required.
WHEN
Report to your NRC/NRA (RC) or Parent Command (AC) after completion of ECRC out processing.
HOW TO PROCEED
WHO TO CONTACT
CHECKLISTS FOR REINTEGRATION
Intermediate Stops
Household Goods/Personal Property Shipment or Storage
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In most cases, IA Sailors will be entitled to ship personal property to themselves at their ultimate duty station (UDS), and then home again from the UDS at the end of their BOG. The entitlement will be specified in the orders, and is usually in accordance with JFTR U4710 (ranging from 350lbs allowed to 2,000 lbs allowed, depending on grade of the Member). Reimbursement for expenses incurred shipping will be capped by the calculated government cost for the maximum allowable weight. Claims for reimbursement can be made by including expenses and receipts on your 1351-2 travel expense claim form. Alternatively, you may make use of government moving services (up to the allowable weight limit) when such services are available to you.
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Note that the wisdom of sending any amount of personal property to yourself via FPO/APO mail or other means will vary depending on the nature and location of your UDS assignment.
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Storage of household goods (including POVs) is typically authorized for IA Sailors per JFTR U4770.B and U5466.
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For questions and concerns related to these entitlements, call the household goods help line at 800-444-7789.
Warrior Transition Program (WTP) - TLD and Light
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The Navy developed the Warrior Transition Program (WTP), located in Sembach, Germany, in an effort to facilitate IA Sailors’ return and ease the reintegration process with Families, Commands and Communities following war zone deployments. Until now, WTP Sembach was a 3-4 day Third Location Decompression (TLD) program to ensure returning Sailors are prepared to transition from the stresses of military deployment in a combat environment. WTP-TLD Sembach is currently mandatory for IAs deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.
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For all CENTCOM AOR re-deployers, WTP-TLD Sembach is now mandatory for all IAs returning from duty in any CENTCOM location and have been issued demobilization orders on or after 01 Dec 2016. As of this date, WTP-TLD will be included as a DEMOB I-stop on all orders.
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For all AFRICOM AOR redeployers, WTP-TLD Sembach is also now mandatory for IAs returning from duty in any AFRICOM location and have been issued demobilization orders on or after 01 Jan 2017. As of this date, WTP-TLD will be included as a DEMOB I-stop on all orders.
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For all Sailors serving in IA billets and remain in CONUS will participate in a shorter program at ECRC during the redeployment process and this is called WTP-Light.
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IAs currently serving an any location in the CENTCOM or AFRICOM AORs that do not have WTP-TLD in their demobilization orders (RC Sailors) or mobilization orders (AC Sailors) are encouraged to volunteer to add WTP-TLD to their orders and submit an email request via their chain of command. Commands should review the ECRC Instruction 1754.2, which outlines the process for adding or removing WTP-TLD to or from their IA's demobilization orders. Their respective chain of command should consolidate requests and forward approved lists to ECRC AOs at ecrc_nrfk_n33@navy.mil to request an ORDMOD.
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Upon completion of WTP-TLD, RC Sailors will return to ECRC in Norfolk, Virginia to complete their redeployment and demobilization process before returning to their parent NOSC. AC Sailors will retun to their parent command after completing WTP-TLD. Note that WTP-TLD is a separate training requirement and will not replace any mission BOG days or time at ECRC.
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If there are any questions regarding the updated process, contact USFF IA Support at usff.ia.fct@navy.mil.
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Most of the IA Sailor's mission-specific gear is turned-in at WTP.
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Sailors at WTP will have an opportunity to complete their Post Deployment Health Assessment.
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WTP POC:
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For more information, see the WTP Welcome Aboard Package.
ECRC Norfolk
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ECRC Norfolk has been the primary hub for demobilizations. It used to include some of the training and gear recovery now offered at WTP, as well as medical screening checks required by law for de-mobilizing IA Sailors. However, with the advent of WTP and the ability to conduct medical checks in some cases at the IA Sailor's mission location, ECRC is being removed from the itinerary of most returning Active Component IA Sailors.
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Whether or not ECRC is required for demobilizing AC IA Sailors will be indicated on the IA Sailor's orders (either by its inlcusion or absence as an I-Stop).
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If at ECRC, you will usually be lodged on base, at NAVSTA Little Creek, or with other IAs at a hotel -- in all cases your transportation will be provided by the government. In rare cases where lodging cannot be consolidated and government transportation is not provided, use of a rental car may be approved by the ECRC Norfolk Operations Department.
Home
Medical Reintegration (AC)
Medical reintigration for AC Sailors remaining in service is very straightforward:
Resource Referral Tracking Manager (RRTM)
Is a mechanism that allows IA Sailors to access healthcare benefits after leaving NMPS/WTP/Other AC processing site. The RRTM provides the following services:
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Tracks referrals placed by an NMPS/WTP/Other Location Medical Provider
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Aids Sailors in navigating the post-deployment healthcare system (TRICARE, MTFs, VA)
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Resolves issues with appointments, delayed care, understanding benefits, etc.
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Directs members to proper resource for obtaining necessary referrals
The RRTM is available 24/7 through the NAVY 311 System or by calling Toll Free: 1-855-NAVY-311 (1-855-628-9311); DSN: 510-628-9311. You can email the RRTM directly for questions 0800 - 1600, Mon - Fri (CDT/CST).
For any Service-Related Injury
Consider enrolling in the Navy's wounded warrior support program, Navy Wounded Warrior and Navy Safe Harbor. These programs have regional offices with non-medical care managers who connect Sailors to resources and benefits to facilitate their recovery or manage any disabilities. Navy Wounded Warrior amd Navy Safe Harbor provide a lifetime of assistance to Sailors who are seriously wounded, ill and injured, as well as their families.
Medical Reintegration (RC)
RC Sailors may or may not return from deployment with medical issues requiring resolution. There are two primary approaches taken by the Navy to identify those who need care: medical screening at ECRC during demobilzation and completion of the PDHA/PDHRA. Additionally, RC Sailors should be familiar with their entitlement to continuing health care benefits after mobilization, which is one of the topics covered at ECRC. The IA program anticipates four categories of health care consumers, each having different medical R3 needs.
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Good-to-Go
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Immediate Problems: Any medical issues exposed during medical screening/separation physical and/or PDHA will be dealt with by the medical staff at ECRC. There issue can be handled in one of two ways:
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Sailor demobilizes and has their issue addressed by receiving a Line of Duty determination and using benefits separate from their Tricare benefit. Line of Duty determination is required to ensure demobilized Sailors do not incur out-of-pocket expenses for medical care and will receive needed attention for physical and/or psychological concerns.
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Sailor is placed on Medical Evaluation orders for further evaluation. If additional treatment is warranted, the member will be placed on Medical Hold (MEDHOLD) orders in order to receive treatment and still have Tricare eligibility remaining once demobilized.
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Resource Referral Tracking Manager (RRTM) is a mechanism that allows IA Sailors to access healthcare benefits after leaving ECRC. You can call RRTM directly for questions at 757-341-7528 from 0800 - 1600, Mon - Fri (CDT/CST). The RRTM provides the following services:
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Tracks referrals placed by an ECRC Medical Provider
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Aids Sailors in navigating the post-deployment healthcare system (TRICARE, MTFs, VA)
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Resolves issues with appointments, delayed care, understanding benefits, etc.
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Directs members to proper resource for obtaining necessary referrals
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Delayed Problems but still SELRES: Once the member has demobilized the member may contact their NOSC's medical department for assistance for medical issues that manifest post mobilization -- in which case you should also keep your Parent Command and CIAC informed.
An additional touchpoint for demobilized Sailors is during the Post Deployment Health Re-Assessment (PDHRA) conducted 90-180 days after returning. The PDHRA is designed to identify and address health concerns, with specific emphasis on mental health, that have emerged over time since deployment. Utilizing the PDHRA call center members can receive a referral for appropriate healthcare or community-based services for evaluation or treatment, if needed, using their Tricare benefits.
Delayed Problems but Separated: Sailors who have demobilized and separated from the Navy should contact the Veterans Administration.
For any Service-Related Injury: Consider enrolling in the Navy's wounded warrior support program, Navy Wounded Warrior -- Safe Harbor. This program has regional offices with non-medical care managers who connect Sailors to resources and benefits to facilitate their recovery or manage any disabilities. Navy Wounded Warrior -- Safe Harbor provides a lifetime of assistance to Sailors who are seriously wounded, ill and injured, as well as their families.
Family Reintegration
Return, reunion & reintegration (R3) after a military deployment can be a time of tremendous happiness and relief. But the transition back to family life can also bring its share of challenges. Fortunately there are steps that both returning service members and their spouses can take to make the return to family life as joyful and stress-free as possible.
Couples who have been separated by military deployment often look forward to a service member's return as a time of happiness and a chance to get back to normal life. Children look forward to having a missing parent back at home. The deployed service member looks forward to a joyful reunion and the comforts of home.
However, mixed in with those feelings of excitement and anticipation are also some perfectly normal worries and resentments. Husbands and wives may worry that their spouse has changed. They may be concerned about giving up the independence that being apart has allowed them. While everyone in the family looks forward to getting back together, they may also have mixed feelings about having been separated in the first place - a feeling that children sometimes express very openly and may resemble anger.
At the end of this page a number of additional resources are highlighted, but a basic checklist of things to consider is provided below:
Before the Reunion
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Communicate the details of the return plan & schedule
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Have a backup plan in case flights are delayed or family can't make it
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Think carefully about whether to plan something special to do together as a couple or with family, or if it might be best at first to rest without expectations
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Keep plans simple and flexible
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Try to minimize expectations -- be understanding if the reunion doesn't match plans or expectations
Reunion Day
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Be patient if no one is there when you arrive
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Make a conscious effort to make only positive comments
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Look for positive changes when you arrive home -- show your appreciation for the extra work your spouse has taken on while you were gone
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Anticipate that children may be shy
Spouses at Home
Service Members: The First Week/Month
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Understand that it's normal to feel out of sync at first
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Make time for family
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Talk with your spouse & children
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Take time to understand how the family has changed while you've been gone
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Spend time with each family member individually
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Watch your spending: it's tempting to have celebratory dinners or buy special gifts but keep an eye on your budget as income will likely decrease with the end of special pays from deployment
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Intimacy & sexual relations may be awkward at first: allow time for readjustment and reconnection
Spouses
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Take your time when reintroducing expectations
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Talk with each other: you've both been through separate experiences and have changed some
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Expect children to test the rules now that both parents are home
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Don't give up activities that you enjoy and that help you relax
Continuation
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Sort out the household responsibilities - who makes which decisions, and who takes care of which household tasks
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Talking through these adjustments can be hard if the service member has seen or experienced violent action during deployment
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Be mindful of signs of combat stress if the service member is still not adjusting well. These include being uncharacteristically angry, depressed or having trouble sleeping. This can compound any family or relationship problems you may be experiencing. If these symptoms persist, it's important for the service member to seek professional help.
Additional Resources
The BOG phase is the time to start planning for the relational impacts of R3. At a minimum, consider reviewing these resources and discussing them with your loved ones at least three months out from you return date.
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Returning to Homelife After Deployment is an outstanding article at Military.com that helps Navy families think about R3 in advance of homecoming, how to plan the first day, the first week and the first months
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Grace After Fire focuses on helping women vets reintegrate in their families as wives and mothers
Single Sailor Reintegration
Coming home after a deployment can feel great, but it's also a time of adjustment. When you're single, you face a different set of re-entry challenges than married service members do. You don't have a spouse or, in many cases, nearby family members. That can be freeing as there will be fewer people imposing expectations on you during your transition, but this also means there are likely fewer people committed to walking with you through the R3 process. The information below can help you better understand what to expect following a deployment and how to find support to make the adjustment easier.
It's important to think of your return to single life following deployment as a process rather than a single event. Just as it took time to adjust to your deployment, it will now take time to readjust to being home. You may have to get used to different foods and a different time zone. You might also have to make some emotional adjustments.
You may feel the following:
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Tired, less motivated than usual, discouraged
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Lonely, or a sense of loss
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Angry
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Culture shock
Adjustment:
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Try to establish new habits and routines in your personal life as soon as possible
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Sort out your finances and establish your budget
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Limit alcohol use and continue physical exercise
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Think about the next steps in your career
Reconnecting with Friends & Family:
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Be flexible: try to avoid a tightly scheduled reunion
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Understand that different people will react differently to your deployment
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Understand that people or circumstances may have changed while you were away
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Be prepared for some awkwardness in personal relationships
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Be patient - with yourself & others
Asking for help is not showing weakness.
Unit Reintegration
Unit reintegration may or may not be an issue, depending on the orders the AC Sailor filled. Typical concerns for reintegrating AC sailors include:
IAMM
IAMM Sailors return to their Parent Commands.
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In many cases, the extent to which the IA Sailor included their Parent Command in their Communication Plan during their mobilization will ease their reintegration, particularly with regard to resolving expectations above.
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One of the main concerns for unit R3 is how you fit into the next FITREP/EVAL cycle, particularly with regard to the peers you left behind when you mobilized. The FITREP/EVAL guidance page includes information regarding post-IA tour FITREP/EVAL cycles with your Parent Command. For IAMMs, a reporting cycle within 180 days of their return should place them in a separate summary group from their peers.
GSA
GSA Sailors do not return to their Parent Commands, or else PCS shortly after their return. For these Sailors, reintegration with the old command is not a primary concern. FITREPs or EVALs should be marked Not Observed.
OSA
OSA Sailors return their original commands, but usually only for a short time before receiving follow-on PCS orders. The FITREP/EVAL guidance page includes information regarding post-IA tour FITREP/EVAL cycles with your Parent Command. For OSAs, a reporting cycle within 180 days of their return should place them in a separate summary group from their peers.
Civilian Employment Reintegration
Reintegration with former/current (i.e., Military LOA) employer or with a new employer following a mobilization can present some issues. Hopefully, if you are returning to a former employer, you've kept in touch as part of the communications plan you created for your mobilization. Similarly, whether you are returning to a previous employer or looking for a new employer, hopefully you have ramped up that communication as you've drawn closer to the end of your BOG time. Regardless of well-prepared you are, however, circumstances can change and transition can be difficult, for which the following resources are provided: