What are a few ways to bring morale up in the beginning of a deployment?

One of the standards was in house competitions. So we'd know where we are at physically before the deployment. Then we'd make a competition out of it. Who can increase performance the most. Who can lift the most. Who can run the fastest. The list goes on and on. One, it obviously helps keeping in peak physical shape. Two, it helps keep the mind off the deployment. Time is a killer, so it's good to keep engaged.

Build comradery and trust with your platoon, squad or team. My squad came up with personal "click" words that would make you smile on those down days...a name, place or thing. Mine was "cars". This will be a huge payoff while deployed. If OPSEC allows, keep in touch with those that boost your morale.

Staff & Officers call (at the O club)... cook-out/field day for the snuffies. All within a week of mount-out... something to remember...