Deployment can be demanding. Deployment can be difficult. Deployment can be downright draining. Thankfully, DEALING with deployment can also be DESERVING -- of some great perks that only you, the spouse of a soldier deployed to a combat zone, can enjoy during your 6, 12 or 15 months of blue-star banner living. Take advantage of every one.

A Few of the Perks of Deployment:

Combat Zone Tax Exclusion -- This excludes your service member from federal taxes every month while he or she serves in a combat zone.

Per Diem -- All soldiers receive $3.50 per day while serving TDY/away from home. Many times, however, this Per Diem is paid in one lump sum following deployment.

Hostile Fire Pay -- Service members receive $225 per month for every month spent in country (and note that even one day of one month earns the soldier Hostile Fire Pay for the ENTIRE month).

Imminent Danger Pay/ Hardship Duty Pay -- Depending on the location of your service member's deployment, he or she may be entitled to up to $325 extra per month throughout his/her deployment.

Family Separation Allowance (for married service members) -- After 30 days of separation, FSA kicks in, providing the service member with $250 extra per month for spending time away from his/her family.

Reduced Interest Rate on Any and All Credit Cards -- In some cases, financial institutions are required to lower your interest rate under the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act. Any debt you incurred before coming onto active duty may qualify for a 6 percent interest rate cap. This applies to debts for mobilized or activated reserve and National Guard members, as well as debts incurred by active-duty members before entering service.

Free Space A Travel -- WITHOUT your sponsor present (this is permitted only during combat deployment and during hardship duty tours). Check out this article from Homefront Online Magazine for all the details on traveling the States (or the world!) in military planes, on the military's dime. All you need is time and a little flexibility.

Free Childcare -- Most of the military's Child and Youth Services Child Development Center's Hourly Care centers offer between 10 and 16 hours of free childcare per child per month during deployment, and most post CDCs also offer a similar number of free childcare hours during R&R and upon redeployment. Call your post CDC for more information. In most cases, a military ID and a copy of your sponsor's orders get you the magic golden childcare ticket.

Free Classes for Your Children -- On many posts, Child and Youth Services offers FREE SKIES classes to children of deployed service members. On most posts, this includes classes in dance, music, art, gymnastics and other athletic activities. Check out your local CYS facility for more information.

Free Passes -- Depending on your location, many community businesses and organizations offer free passes and use of their facilities for family members of deployed service members. Check out your local gym, YMCA, zoo, swim club and others to see if any of these apply. They could provide positive physical outlets throughout deployment without a dime of investment on your part.

Free Access to Your Post's Facilities -- Don't forget that, on most bases and posts, the fitness center, pool, indoor play area, recreation area, etc. are all free. Take advantage, whether your service member is deployed or not!

And don't forget, when your service member is deployed, you can often use the "military clause" to put his cell phone, vehicle insurance and other items on hold (therefore reducing your payments), or cancel the services on those objects all together.

Deployment may not be the highlight of your military career, but if you play it right, you can enjoy a ton of free adventures and make the most of the journey.

Michelle Cuthrell