Deployment Support

DEPLOYMENT AND MOBILIZATION SUPPORT

Deployments are an inevitable part of military life. Despite the challenges of separation and change, deployments can be managed. Information and skill-building are key to managing the deployment. Through collaboration with Command Leadership, the Family Readiness Group, and Ombudsmen.

A command can contact their Fleet and Family Support Center command representative or call 860-694-3383 or DSN 312-694-3383 to schedule a presentation. When an FFSC representative attends a command-sponsored presentation, they will bring a variety of resources for service members and their families to take home, including a deployment calendar, mission readiness guidebook, age-appropriate children's activity books, emotional cycles of deployment information, return and reunion books, and other resource information.

Known as a "Deployment Readiness Brief," it ensures ongoing readiness in support of the fleet response plan and prepares active-duty and family members for planned and unplanned deployments. Years of experience and knowledge about the deployment process help provide the necessary information and practical skills that allow both service members and their families to cope with deployment challenges.

Over the years, FFSC has aided in three stages of the deployment cycle:

• Pre-Deployment Briefs: Usually, the command organizes a presentation with the FFSC as one of many guest speakers before work-ups begin. The FFSC covers topics such as the emotional cycles of deployment, financial management, inventory of important documents, children's reactions, and combat stress.
• Mid-Deployment Briefs: Mid-deployment briefs are usually set up by the ombudsman or family readiness groups and are designed for spouses and children to assist with the ups and downs of a deployment. Topics could be on a variety of issues such as stress management, parenting issues, holiday blues, communication concerns, and financial management.
• Return and Reunion Briefs (Homecoming): The command and the FRG may request a presentation to assist service members and their families in preparing for the homecoming. Topics could include returning to children, reestablishing intimacy and communication, a variety of financial concerns, combat and operational stress awareness, and conflict management.

The Navy's Fleet and Family Support Centers provide comprehensive support to Sailors and their families throughout the deployment process, encompassing pre-deployment preparation, support during deployment, and reintegration upon return, offering programs to help manage the practical aspects of deployment, including financial planning, stress management, and optimal communication strategies.

Key aspects of Navy deployment support:

• Pre-Deployment: FFSCs offer briefings, workshops, and individual counseling to help Sailors and their families understand the emotional cycle of deployment, manage finances, and organize important documents.
• During Deployment: FFSCs continue to provide support, including support groups, resources for children, and information about navigating the deployment process.
• Reintegration: FFSCs help Sailors and their families adjust to returning home, including addressing issues related to reestablishing intimacy, managing stress, and adjusting to changes within the family and community.
• Individual Augmentee Support: FFSCs also provide support to IAs and their families, offering specialized services and resources to address the unique challenges of deploying as an IA.
• Family Readiness Groups: FRGs are informal groups where family members can connect, share experiences, and provide mutual support.
• Command Ombudsmen: These trained volunteers serve as a vital communication link between command leadership and family members, offering personalized support and guidance.

Numerous resources are available, including Military OneSource, the American Red Cross, the Armed Services YMCA, and various Navy support programs.

You need to keep copies of important documents and other valuable information in a safe place. Review this information regularly. To assist you with deployment preparation, use these checklists:

• Deployment readiness checklist
• Family member deployment checklist
• Deployment checklist for children

Record of Emergency Data: Identifies service members’ primary and secondary next of kin to be notified in the event of death, illness, or injury. This document should be reviewed regularly and whenever there are any life changes (such as marriage, divorce, death of a parent, or birth of a child).

NOTE: Lists all the service member's dependents to establish entitlements and designate a beneficiary for entitlements (unpaid pay and allowances, death benefit).

• ID Cards: All military family members age 10 and above need their ID cards. IMPORTANT NOTE: Check ID cards for expiration dates. Are they valid until after your return from deployment? Be sure your family knows what to do if the card is about to expire. If the card expires, a family member's enrollment in DEERS could be dropped.
• Insurances and review: Service members should review insurance regularly and whenever there are any life changes (such as marriage, divorce, death of a parent, or birth of a child). You must have a separate designation of beneficiary not governed by the will.
• Wills: A will is the document that directs the transfer of your property upon your death. You may revoke or modify it at any time. You must update and maintain your will. Navy Legal Services can assist you at no cost with this, as well as with powers of attorney and other legal documents.

Power of Attorney: You can draft your own Special Power of Attorney online for free using official tools, but it must be signed and notarized in person to be legally binding. https://www.jag.navy.mil/legal-services/special-power-of-attorney/

How to Create and Execute Your SPOA

1. Draft Online: Use the ⁠Navy JAG DIY SPOA Portal to select your specific form and fill out the required information.
2. Do Not Sign or Date it Yet: Keep the document unsigned until you are physically in front of an authorized notary.
3. Get It Notarized: Bring the printed draft and a valid military ID to your command legal officer, a local Region Legal Service Office, or a civilian notary.

NOTE: A Power of Attorney is only good for one year. Keep it updated. Ensure you have complete trust in anyone to whom you give those permissions. A POA is required along with the LES to obtain base and city stickers.

Preparation of your home, vehicle, and other items must also be considered if you are to be deployment-ready. Whether you own your home or lease, there are several items to take care of before you deploy:

1. If you own your home, be sure to complete any home maintenance or repairs. Provide a list of service companies/repairmen to your spouse, roommate, or property manager.
2. If you lease, check rental/lease agreements carefully. Hopefully, you reviewed the military clause in the lease and did not waive the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act. This allows you to get out of your lease if deployed. Be sure to notify the landlord of your deployment. Consult the Regional Legal Services Office if you have any questions.
3. Be sure you have renter's insurance on your personal property. The average cost is $6 per month and should be initiated by service members living in barracks, military housing, or off-base.
4. Make a video or paper inventory and keep it in a safe place away from home (such as a bank safe deposit box).
5. If you live in the barracks and are deploying, you may store personal property through the Navy. The command can help you make the arrangements.
6. Before deploying, it is important to attend to all vehicles, including maintenance, insurance, and storage if necessary. Keep all vehicles maintained with oil changes, tires, belts, and coolant/antifreeze.
7. Maintain city, base, and state inspection stickers.
8. Check your auto insurance. Most insurers will reduce insurance premiums for singles or couples during deployment or extended underway periods. If the vehicle is to be stored, only minimal insurance is usually required. if the vehicle is not driven, Service members should consult their insurance companies.
9. Vehicle storage may be available through the Navy or commercial storage facilities off base. The costs vary according to the services provided.
10. Cellphone unused while deployed, Contact your service provider to check on placing the account on hold or inactive status during the deployment.
11. Children and Deployment: The FFSC staff can provide other command-specific programs to support most age groups upon request. Just contact your FFSC command representative for more information.
12. Spouse Support: While the service member is on their IA detachment and after they return, the FFSC offers individual and group support for spouses to discuss their unique needs and concerns surrounding this assignment. The IA coordinator can be reached by calling 860-694- or DSN 312-694.

There are activities scheduled periodically for the families of IA service members. For current information on the next event, call 860-694-3383 or DSN 312-694-3383.