The Process for a Soldier to Return Home After Completing their Tour of Duty

Returning home after a tour of duty is a significant moment in a soldier's life. This process is nothing less than a return orchestrated by the US military with no cost to the soldier. From the moment the deployment ends to the moment the soldier is back into civilian life, the military ensures a smooth transition at no expense to the soldier. Dive into the detailed steps that make this process possible.

Steps to Returning Home

The process begins well before the end of a soldier's deployment. Units are informed of the scheduled return dates, allowing soldiers to plan accordingly. On the designated day, soldiers are told to pack their belongings and prepare to leave. They are then transported back to their home base via military flights, all at no cost to the soldier. This arrangement applies to any soldier regardless of the length of their tour or their branch of service.

Upon arrival at the home station, the individual proceeds as follows:

1. Check into the Designated Arrival Point

Upon arrival, the soldier checks into the designated arrival point. This is where they must provide a copy of their orders, typically from their commanding officer. Relevant documentation and identification are essential in this step.

2. Assign Temporary Quarters

After checking in, the soldier is assigned temporary quarters for further processing. This includes living arrangements until they have completed all necessary tasks and transitions back to civilian life.

3. Debriefing and Medical Check

The individual undergoes a debriefing, where they discuss their experiences during the deployment. This is followed by a medical review to ensure the soldier is in good health and free from any injuries sustained during the deployment.

4. Confirm Leave Status and Authorization to Depart

The soldier is then provided with confirmation of their leave status and authorized to depart. These instructions come with specific leave pay and ch-of-station orders that outline the steps for transitioning back to civilian life.

5. Receive Travel Funds

Travel funds are typically made available. Soldiers do not need to request these funds from anyone, as it is part of the standard procedure. If someone asks for money under the pretense of travel expenses, be cautious.

Common Myths Debunked

A common myth is that soldiers must pay their way back from deployments. In reality, the military provides all necessary transportation at no cost to the soldier. It is a ruse if someone says otherwise, as this is pure deception. Additionally, since no one has been deployed to Afghanistan in over three years, this destination is not a route for returns.

When it comes to travel funds, a soldier should never have to request them from anyone. If you are asked for money under the guise of travel expenses, it is a scam. Always verify the identity of the person through reliable channels, such as personal connections or official military lines of communication.

Personal Experiences and Insights

Based on multiple experiences as a US Military member, the logistics of returning home follow a consistent pattern:

1. Notification of End Date

Soldiers are informed by their superiors of their last day of deployment, usually well in advance. This is often several weeks before the actual return date.

2. Preparation and Muster

Soldiers are instructed to be at a specific location, such as a landing pad, airport, or loading area, at a certain time, often early in the morning. They wait for their mode of transportation, which might be delayed due to various logistical reasons.

3. Transportation and Relocation

After a period of waiting, the soldier board a mode of transportation. Typically, this involves boarding a chartered aircraft or a military vehicle, which takes them to a base in the U.S. or another location, such as Germany or Italy, from where they can catch a flight to their home base.

Across all branches of service, the process is standardized to ensure a seamless and cost-free return. The military's commitment to supporting its soldiers is evident through such provisions. Therefore, if someone claims that a soldier needs to pay for travel expenses, be wary of such requests as they indicate a scam.

Thank you for your interest in the military process of returning home. Should you have any questions or need further clarification, please refer to official military channels or consult with a trusted military professional.