Readiness & Deployment Support

Readiness and Deployment Support

Building 1795
(760) 763-1337/7889

Readiness and Deployment Support
Readiness and Deployment Support Trainers (RDST) provide a continuum of readiness education and deployment support, including conducting all readiness and pre-, during-, and post-deployment briefings and workshops.  The goal of Readiness and Deployment Support is to prepare Marines, Sailors and their families for the unique challenges of a deployment, in addition to maintaining a constant state of readiness independent of deployment.  To register for one of our base-wide workshops, contact our main line at (760) 725-9052.  If you are a Family Readiness Officer or member of a Command Team in need of a unit-specific brief or workshop, contact our RDST line at (760) 763-1337.


Pre-Deployment Brief [ PDF 19KB ]
Topics covered include: MCFTB programs, financial planning and emergencies, Powers of Attorney, legal, personal preparation, spouse relocation, TriCare, preparing children and loved ones, family care plans, deployment stress and the Combat Operational Stress Continuum, American Red Cross, Postal, Communication, Military OneSource and CACO (optional).  This brief is for both Single and Married Marines and Sailors and is facilitated on a unit specific basis 30-60 days before a deployment.  Family Readiness Officers or members of a Command Team can call to schedule a brief with an RDST.

Warrior Kids Workshops [ PDF 152KB ]
This series is for kids ages 5-12 who’s parent has already deployed.  Each workshop within the series will touch topics focused on expressing emotion, staying connected and preparing for the homecoming. This series is offered base-wide only.

  • Kids and Deployment [ PDF 126KB ] Ages 5-12.  These events are 90 minutes in length and will be facilitated by RDST and FOCUS Project. The target audiences for this workshop are children and their remain behind parent at the beginning of the deployment cycle. This workshop is split, with parents receiving a workshop in one room, while the children receive a “kids” version in a separate room.  The last 30 minutes of this workshop brings parents and kids together for a team building exercise.  This workshop is offered base-wide only and childcare will be offered for children 4 and under.
  • Kids In the Midst [PDF 94KB ] Ages 5-12.  These events are 2 hours in length and will be facilitated by the RDST and FOCUS Project.  The target audience for this workshop are children ages 5-12 “in the midst” of a deployment.  This fun event will feature a short FOCUS workshop as well as 3 venues or “stations” for the kids to create and complete projects and activities.  This workshop is offered base-wide only and childcare will not be provided for this event, as the parents do not attend. 
  • Kids and the Corps [ PDF 124KB ] Ages 5-12.  This event is all day from 9am to 3pm.  Kids and the Corps incorporates L.I.N.K.S. for Kids and Kids in the Midst for a program that we only feature during the summer months.  Highlights include Corps history and traditions, moving in the military, how to be a great friend, dealing with separation and getting involved in the community.  Kids in the Midst portion of the workshop will follow the Kids in the Midst curriculum as outlined above.  At the end of the workshop, parents and siblings are invited to attend the Kids and The Corps graduation ceremony featuring a VIP speaker and a traditional cake cutting ceremony.  Kids who attend this workshop MUST have a parent currently deployed.  This workshop is offered base-wide only and childcare will not be provided.
  • Kids and Reunion [ PDF 563K ] Ages 5-12.  These events are 90 minutes in length and will be facilitated by RDST’s and FOCUS Project.  The target audiences for this workshop are children and their remain behind parent at the end of the deployment cycle and before a homecoming.  This workshop is split, with parents receiving a workshop in one room, while the children receive a “kids” version in a separate room.  The last 30 minutes of this workshop brings parents and kids together for a team building exercise.  This workshop is offered base-wide only and childcare will be offered for children 4 and under.

Spouses In the Midst [ PDF 132KB ]
Designed as a day for spouses “In the Midst” of a deployment, this workshop offers a wide range of venues to include, fun, education, communication, relaxation and networking.  We invite all spouses aboard Camp Pendleton to join us in developing and enhancing the tools needed for inner strength and endurance during separation and deployment.  This workshop is offered base-wide only and childcare is available.

Return and Reunion [ PDF 19KB ]
This interactive workshop for spouses discusses the expectations and challenges associated with the return and reintegration of their deployed service member.  Topics include: homecoming planning, communication, tools for managing stress, romance and intimacy and roles and responsibilities. ).  This brief is for spouses and is facilitated on a unit specific basis 14-30 days before a homecoming.  Family Readiness Officers or members of a Command Team can call to schedule a brief with an RDST.