The deployment of a family member in the military--whether to Iraq, Afghanistan or somewhere else--is a tough thing to deal with, especially when you aren't sure where they are. Not knowing a loved one's location can make the deployment process much more difficult. However, there are dozens of ways for families of deployed soldiers in every branch of the U.S. military to know where their loved ones are stationed overseas. It takes a bit of research, but the end result is worth it. Here are some ways to find a soldier.

Instructions

Contact the soldier-family liaison at the Army Family Liaison Office Web site or call the Family Assistance Hotline at 1-800-833-6222 to find a family member deployed in the Army. They will assist you in the finding the location and contacting your family member.

Contact the U.S. Marine Corps. Locator at 1-760-725-5171. When you call, be sure to have the soldier's information so you can obtain the information you need. The USMC location office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST. Call this number regardless of where you reside.

Contact the Navy Fleet and Family Support Center to find out where Navy soldiers are located. Visit NFFSP.org and click the "Contact Us" link to send a location inquiry to the Navy family offices.

Contact customer service at the U.S. Air Force to find an airman deployed overseas. Call 210-565-2660 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST. Be sure to have ready the soldier's full name, rank, Social Security number and date of birth.

Contact the soldier when you find out where he or she is. Soldiers love receiving mail overseas because it gives them a taste of home amid a trying and busy deployment. If the soldier doesn't respond for a while, don't worry. They keep an extremely busy schedule and don't have time to respond right away most of the time.

Tip

  • When you call or visit each office to find a soldier, have the soldier's information ready to make the search easier on the person searching.

About the Author

Mitchell Holt has a bachelor's degree in print journalism from Abilene Christian University and has been freelancing since 2009 with work published in various newspapers and magazines like "BostonNOW" and "The Abilene Reporter-News." Holt also writes sales copy for small businesses. His clients include The Kyle David Group, ITNewton, 18 Vodka, RoboQuote and more.

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