Hidden Family Resources Most Service Members Never Use Before Deployment

Military family support resources have gotten complicated with all the programs and eligibility requirements flying around. As someone who’s helped families navigate these systems, I learned everything there is to know about resources that most people never discover. Today, I will share it all with you.

Countless support programs exist for military families – but many go unused simply because people don’t know about them. Before deployment is the time to identify what’s available.

Military OneSource

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Military OneSource offers free counseling, legal consultation, financial coaching, and dozens of other services – all at no cost to service members and families. Non-medical counseling sessions are confidential and don’t appear in military records. That’s what makes this resource so valuable yet underutilized – people either don’t know about it or assume it costs something.

Family Readiness Groups

Your unit’s FRG connects families facing similar challenges. These groups share information, provide support during deployments, and often help with practical needs. Getting connected before deployment means your family has a support network ready when issues arise.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Organizations like Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and Air Force Aid Society provide interest-free loans and grants for legitimate emergencies. Knowing these exist before you need them prevents desperate decisions during difficult moments.

Taking time before deployment to learn what resources exist and how to access them pays dividends throughout the separation. Your family shouldn’t struggle with problems that established support systems are designed to solve.