Step 2

Obviously you and your soldier are going to be scared. You may want to discuss some of these concerns with your soldier, but don't take it personally if he/she doesn't want to talk about the actual deployment. Maybe your soldier will have no problem with it. It really just depends on what type of person your soldier is, but sometimes it's easier to not think about leaving and enjoy the last few months with family. Also remember that soldiers are trained to be "rough and tough." You'll see it in their eyes before they leave that they're scared and sad to leave you. There's no need to talk in depth about what he/she "might" experience. Don't scare you or your soldier any more than you already are. The only thing they really care about is you telling them how much they mean to you, that you'll be with them through letters and care packages through the deployment, and that you'll be right there waiting when they come back.