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 is key to managing the deployment. Working in concert with Command Leadership, the Family Readiness Group and Ombudsmen. My-Navy-HR  https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/

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," this brief 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 cope with deployment challenges.

Over the years FFSC has provided assistance in three stages of the deployment cycle:

• Pre-Deployment
• During the Deployment (Mid)
• Return, and Reunion(Homecoming)

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

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.

Deployments can be challenging, particularly if you are not familiar with some of the effects and what is really normal or know where to find the resources to cope. The Fleet and Family Support Center offers pre-deployment, mid-deployment, return and reunion and spouse support group presentations as well as individual consultations to help educate both the service member and the family on the effects and preparations of deployment.

Pre-Deployment Briefs: Usually, the command organizes a presentation with the FFSC as one of many guest speakers before workups begin. The FFSC covers topics such as the emotional cycles of deployment, financial management, inventory of important documents, safekeeping of cars, storage of valuables and combat stress.

Return Briefs: The command may request a presentation to assist single service members in preparing for the return to homeport. Topics could include returning to homeport, communication, a variety of financial concerns, combat and operational stress awareness and conflict management.

Individual Augmentee Briefs for Single Sailors: See listing below for pre and post briefs along with networking for family members.

It is important for you to keep copies of important documents and other valuable information in a safe place. Review this information on a regular basis. 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 on a regular basis and whenever there are any life changes (such as marriage, divorce, death of parent or birth of a child).

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

ID Cards: All military family members age 10 and above need their own 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 card expires, family member's enrollment in DEERS could be dropped.

Service member's Group Members: All service members are entitled to life insurance and can also purchase for family members. Service members should review insurance on a regular basis and whenever there are any life changes (such as marriage, divorce, death of 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. It is critical that you 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: A power of attorney is a legal document giving authority to another to act/sign in your name. There are two types of POA - general and specific.

General - permits holder to do almost anything in your name. Not accepted by many banks or businesses or by personnel support detachment.
Specific - specifies a particular transaction/business (such as real estate, PSD). It is recommended that you obtain specific powers of attorney for particular issues rather than having a general one.
Draft your “powers-of-Attorney” at: https://www.jag.navy.mil select “LEGAL SERVICES” “LEGAL ASSISTANCE” or “SPECIAL POWER of ATTORNEY” – Then select the Power of Attorney that you need drafted.

Complete the form

Default of the form is set for an O4 and above to be notarize. If you select Civilian notary and select a State you reside, a civilian notary at the Bank, library or at this office can notarize. The maximum length of time of a POA form can be up to one Year. You can print the form but you are not authorize to save the form. Recommend drafting a printed “Power of Attorney” with a Civilian Notary, and a Copy with a JAG Notary.

At this time Real Estate Powers of Attorney must be drafted by the legal office. If you have any Questions? Call us at 860-694-3741

A POA is only good for one year. Keep it updated. Ensure you have complete trust in anyone to whom you give your POA. A POA is required along with LES to obtain base and city stickers.

Preparation at Home: Additional 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:

• 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.
• 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 Regional Legal Services Office if you have any questions.
• 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.
• Make a video or paper inventory and keep it in a safe place away from home (such as a bank safe deposit box).
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintain city, base and state inspection stickers.

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 insurance is dropped, tags must be surrendered to the Department of Motor Vehicles or prepare to pay a fine to the state upon return from deployment. Insurance may be reduced if the vehicle will not be driven frequently by a spouse. Service members should consult their insurance companies.
Vehicle storage maybe available through the Navy or through commercial storage facilities off base. The costs vary according to the services provided.
If you have a cellphone, chances are you won't need it while deployed. Contact your service provider to check on placing the account on hold or inactive status during the deployment. Contact the FFSC at 860-694-3383 or DSN 312-694-3383 for more Information.
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.

Individual Augmentee Support: With the current demands and need for support for the War on Terrorism, many of our service members are being selected to serve as individual augmentees. This can be a voluntary or nonvoluntary assignment depending on the skills needed. The FFSC provides an in-depth pre-departure brief which includes operational and combat stress, pre-departure preparations and support resources for the service member, their command and their families to ensure everyone who is being affected understands the process and knows what resources are available. Pre-departure Briefs are held the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., and spouses are encouraged to attend. If an individual receives immediate orders a brief can be scheduled by calling 860-694-4947 or DSN 312-694-4947.

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 860-694-4947 or DSN 312-694-4947.

• 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.
• The FFSC provides a 30, 60, 90 and 120-day post-deployment support group for returning IAs to discuss their experience and any concerns they have in a discreet and safe environment.

Post-detachment IA Briefs are available by appointment. For more information, call 860-694-3383 or DSN 312-694-3383.