Deployment Support

Though Naval Support Activity Naples does not have traditional ship deployment. Numerous individual augmentee billets have been filled from our commands in effort to support the Global War on Terror. IA deployments typically last from six to twelve months, and most of them are in the central command area of responsibility. To prepare for IA deployments, service members should consider the following preparations to assist them with a smooth transition through the IA and deployment process.

Detailing Preparations

As a typical IA deployment requires a service member to travel without other persons in his/her parent command, it is essential that an augmentee is:

• Aware of the specifics of the detailing process
• Able to independently complete the required steps

The IA will want to ensure

• Has received orders to an IA assignment and is aware of the details of the assignment such as: location, length of time expected for the temporary additional duty and the addresses of all training sites along with the new assignment
• Established contact with gaining command
• Know who is the point of contact or IA coordinator at the parent command

Often times, there are additional training requirements, both on Navy Knowledge Online and at various locations outside of the Naples area. An IA service member will want to ensure that he or she is aware of the training expectations and stipulations for bringing weapons before embarking on his/her assignment.

For additional assistance with detailing preparations, contact the IA coordinator at your parent command or visit the Combat Readiness Center website.

Practical Preparations

There are numerous practical preparations that an IA service member should consider. First, a service member will want to ensure that his/her Record of Emergency Data is current. Additionally, a Service Member Group Life Insurance election will need to be completed with a copy retained by the service member's next of kin. All IDs, passports and visas for IAs and their family members will need to be checked for expiration during the assignment. If identification will expire while the IA is away, the IA service members will want to renew them before departure. Also, it is imperative that IA family members know where each of the following documents are kept:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage license
• Medical records
• Dental records
• Citizen/naturalization papers
• Passports/visas
• All insurance policies
• Real estate documents
• Car title
• Car registration
• Recent Leave and Earnings Statement
• Social Security numbers
• Current addresses and phone numbers of immediate family members

Lastly, a service member preparing for an IA assignment will want to be sure that his/her vehicle and home are in good repair and that all insurance policies are current. Names of trusted maintenance persons should be left with family members in case repairs are needed. Conversely, if an IA or IA family plans to vacate or change living quarters during the assignment, an augmentee will want to be aware of the conditions of his/her lease and ensure that mail is forwarded appropriately.

For additional assistance with practical preparations for IA assignments, contact the Naples area Deployment Support Services at DSN 314-629-6372 or commercial from the U.S. 011-39-081-811-6372 or visit the Naval Support Activity Naples Fleet and Family Support Center homepage.

Legal Preparations

In order to ensure that his/her affairs are properly managed while away, an IA service member may want to elect someone to act on their behalf. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows an individual, such as an augmentee, to authorize another person to serve as his/her agent in conducting certain transactions while he or she is away or unable to do so. A power of attorney is needed for purposes of buying a house, moving into government quarters, purchasing or shipping a car and completing taxes. An IA service member will also want to ensure that his/her will is up-to-date and that family members know where it is kept.

For additional help with legal preparations while in the Naples area, contact the Regional Legal Services Office at commercial from the U.S. 011-39-081-568-4496 or visit Legal Office homepage.

Medical Preparations

Before going on assignment, an IA service member will want to ensure that he or she has completed all the necessary immunizations and vaccinations for the mission at least two weeks before training. Also, an IA will want to make certain that he or she has an adequate supply of all medications and back up glasses or contact lenses, if needed. In addition to an IA's own medical preparations, an augmentee will want to ensure that his/her family members are also prepared to meet their medical needs. The IA member will want to double-check that all dependents are enrolled in the DEERS. Also, IAs will want to confirm that family members feel comfortable using the TRICARE system.

For more information regarding TRICARE in the Naples area, contact the TRICARE service center at DSN 314-629-6329.

Financial Preparations

An IA service member and his/her family will want to develop and agree on a monthly spending plan or budget before departure for the assignment. An augmentee will want to resolve any outstanding pay issues before leaving and ensure that there is at least one month's salary in reserve for emergencies. An IA will want to establish how bills, rent or mortgage and utilities will be paid while he or she is away. Additionally, if the assignment occurs during tax season, a service member may want to file for an extension with the IRS or elect someone to handle his/her tax preparation. For more information on financial preparations or to meet with a personal finance specialist in the Naples area, contact the Fleet and Family Service Center at DSN 314-629-6372 or commercial from the U.S. 011-39-081-811-6372 or visit Naval Support Activity Naples Fleet and Family Service Center homepage.

Emergency Preparations

Emergencies can occur at any time. However, they can be particularly challenging when a service member is away, and his/her family is not equipped or prepared to handle urgent situations. An IA may want to consider signing a pre-authorization form with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society in case family members need emergency funds while he or she is away. If emergency communication is required, IA family members will also need to know their IA service member's contact information and how to utilize the Red Cross to send messages. IA family members can find their local Red Cross by visiting the Red Cross homepage. Finally, an IA should ensure that his/her family members have a disaster preparedness plan in place and emergency kit available in the event of a crisis.

To learn more about preparing for emergencies and disasters, visit the CNIC homepage.

Emotional and Family Preparations

Living overseas while a service member is deployed can be an added challenge for a family. An IA service member will want to ensure that his/her family is prepared for the emotional changes that come with separation. Establishing how communication will be maintained during the assignment is imperative for continuing connection with family members. Additionally, an augmentee can assist family members with adjusting to separation by encouraging them to participate in the local community and staying connected with local support networks. Before departing, an IA should connect with his or her command ombudsman, who can be located at the Navy Fleet and Family Support Center homepage or by calling the Fleet and Family Support Center at DSN 314-629-6372 or commercial from the U.S. 011-39-081-811-6372. The command ombudsman can act as a support and liaison for the IA family while the service member is on assignment.

Naples Community Resources

IA service members deploying from the Naples area are encouraged to call or stop by the Fleet and Family Support Center to learn more about our numerous deployment support programs and additional community resources. Visit us on the Naval Support Activity Naples Fleet and Family Support Center Homepage or call DSN 314-629-6372 or commercial from the U.S. 011-39-081-811-6372.