26 April 2010 - Questions about Deployment? Call the Mission Information Line
The Mission Information Line (MIL) has been helping families experiencing deployment for over 18 years. Just as the nature of Canadian Forces (CF) deployments have changed over time, the concerns of MIL callers have also evolved.
This winter, the MIL was especially busy answering calls and updating messages about the deployment of CF personnel to Haiti for Operation Hestia. An officer from the Disaster Assistance Response Team provided updates to an automated MIL message box almost daily so that families could hear firsthand how their loved ones were helping with the relief effort.
“Families called in regularly to hear about everything from the first baby born in the CF makeshift hospital, to how many litres of water they had made safe for drinking, to how the people of Haiti are doing,” says Robin Whitford, MIL Manager.
“Though this deployment happened suddenly, it was great that word of mouth let people know where to call for information. During the two month deployment, the message boxes dedicated to Op Hestia received over 1000 hits!”
The MIL provides message boxes dedicated to each military operation on deployment, and works with CF personnel to keep the boxes updated regularly. Families can call and listen to the recorded messages at any time to get a sense of what their loved ones have recently experienced, and feel connected even though they may be far apart.
The message boxes can also provide updates for families on when to expect their loved ones back from deployment.
“Deployment Support Centres can use their message boxes to record the flight return timings of the soldiers returning from tour. As flight information can change right up until the last minute, the Deployment Support Centres are able to update this information with one simple recording and hundreds of families are able to call as often as they wish. During this anxious time, many families call repeatedly!”
In addition to the message boxes, the MIL also provides families with access to a counselor from 8 a.m. until midnight (EST), Monday-Friday by pressing '0'. Callers can also leave messages for the MIL and all messages will be returned. Urgent messages will be returned even on weekends and holidays.
Whether callers are working up to a deployment, already have a loved one overseas, or the reunion has brought its own set of challenges, the MIL can help make the transitions easier for families. The MIL’s services don’t start only when a loved one departs, and they don’t end when the planes land back in Canada. Families are welcome to call the MIL anytime with their questions, concerns or even just to talk.
Call 1-800-866-4546 for more information.