Understanding deployment from the perspective of those who have served

Abstract Background The term deployment is used by the military to describe sending troops to carry out a combat, peacekeeping, or humanitarian mission. Purpose The purpose of this analysis was to illustrate the variations around combat deployment experiences. Methods Qualitative descriptive methodology was used to examine data from 17 members of the U.S. military who deployed at least once to a combat zone after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Findings No two deployments were the same between individuals or within individuals if they deployed more than once. Variations were discovered in deployment experiences related to deployment demands, deployment resources, and coming back changed as individuals. Conclusions Regarding deployment as a singular concept does not take into account the variations in the deployment experience. Individuals caring for those who have served in war would benefit from understanding that each deployment is unique and a life-altering experience.