The National Defense Authorization Act of 2008 established the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) to assist National Guard and Reserve members as they transition between their military and civilian roles. By providing deployment cycle information, resources, and programs, YRRP addresses the unique challenges facing the Guard and Reserve community, including geographic dispersion away from military support networks and fewer deployment resources than the Active Component.

YRRP events provide National Guard and Reserve Service members and those who support them with dynamic and engaging delivery of information before, during, and after deployments. Events connect attendees with local information on health care, education/training opportunities, and financial and legal benefits. These resources help to prepare and guide attendees through the hardships of deployment, then enable Service members to successfully reintegrate back into their families, communities and careers.

Commanders and leaders play a critical role in assuring that National Guard and Reserve Service members and their families attend Yellow Ribbon Events. Each National Guard and Reserve Component executes its own YRRP support services in the manner that best meets their unique missions and challenges. The multi-Service program has impacted more than 1.5 million individuals since inception and shares a common goal: to help maintain the readiness of the Force and to build stronger, more resilient families.