Predeployment

Step back from the checklists for a while and spend some quality time with your family and loved ones. Take photos, plan an outing, have a family dinner or think of other fun activities to do together before deployment.

Service members will receive a checklist of tasks from their unit, including a required predeployment health assessment. Complete the items applicable to you and review this information with your family and loved ones.

Make sure you and your family members are enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility System, or DEERS, and in TRICARE. Family members must be enrolled in both to receive benefits during deployment. Review your health care coverage with your family and check that all information is updated.

If you have children or dependents, set up a family care plan to ensure that they will be taken care of during deployment. Learn more about preparing your family care plan.

Be sure that someone is able to take care of any pets prior to deployment. Reach out to family and friends or look into resources for help. Make sure your pet’s records are up to date and provide your pet’s caretaker with veterinary contact information.

Prepare your home for any maintenance needed during deployment. Use this Home Maintenance Checklist for more suggestions. Decide who will receive your mail and whether to give them the right to open it. Then contact U.S. Postal Service with the updated information.

If you need to terminate your house or apartment lease when you deploy, remember that you’re protected by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Decide what to do with your vehicles during deployment. Consider options like storage facilities or friends and family. If anyone will be using your vehicle, talk to them about upcoming maintenance needs and fill out this Vehicle Maintenance Guide for them to reference during your deployment.

Keep in mind that you’re protected by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act in case you need to end your car lease.

Read this short article about security and safety during deployment, and follow these Operations and Personal Security Guidelines. Ask your unit or organization if there is a family OPSEC brief or specific critical information that you should protect. It’s important that family members and friends also understand these rules and regulations so that everyone can stay safe.

Review and update contact information and important documents. Store all documents in one location and keep several copies for you and your loved ones. Contact your installation legal services office for more information about drafting and updating legal documents.

Use the following printable forms for easy planning:

Make sure to work with legal services to designate a power of attorney and create your wills. Then review these documents with family and loved ones before deployment. Learn more about legal matters: steps to take before deployment, and contact your installation legal services office for information and assistance.

Discuss how you and your loved ones will get in contact in case of an emergency. Make sure all important emergency contact information is up to date and that family members are pre-authorized for emergency assistance. Read more about preparing for deployment as a family.

In the event of a natural or man-made disaster, your service branch Personnel Accountability and Assessment System provides a tool to support service members, civilians and families. PAAS enables you to let the service know you are ok and if you need help. Find your service contact information on this PAAS infographic.

Make sure everyone has valid military-issued identification cards and that your family’s information is current and accurate in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, or DEERS.

Military ID cards allow family members to access important services and privileges, like TRICARE health insurance and the on-base commissary and exchange. If your ID card expires during deployment, make sure you have a plan to update it. Learn more about common access cards, and military IDs for dependents, retirees and others.

With a little planning and effort, you can stay fiscally fit during deployment. Set up autopay for any recurring bills and consider enrolling in the Savings Deposit Program or setting up a Thrift Savings Plan. Be sure you have copies of all your financial documents and understand how your finances may change, including special pay you may receive.

Review these Five Financial Steps To Take Before Deployment, and check out these helpful money management resources from the Office of Financial Readiness.

Reach out to extended family and loved ones to let them know about your upcoming deployment. Although communication may not be guaranteed, make a plan for how you’ll communicate with each other during deployment. If you’re using an app or software for the first time, do a “dry run” to be sure geolocation features and functionality on both non-government and government-issued devices are disabled to ensure they will be while in locations designated as operational areas and that everyone is comfortable. Also remember to keep your mission information secure and not posted online or via social media. Read more about preparing as a family and helping children prepare for deployment.

If you’re a National Guard or reserve service member, you’re entitled to certain benefits and protections — like those under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Learn more about National Guard and reserve deployment.

Even if you’re going to be deployed during an election, you still have the right to vote in your home state — either electronically or with an absentee ballot. One great way to prepare is to submit a Federal Post Card Application each year or whenever you move. The FPCA serves as both your voter registration and a request for an absentee ballot. Learn more about military voting.