Predeployment Prep: The Checklist

Been through a deployment? Then you're probably already familiar with the predeployment checklist. Prepping for your first deployment? Then you're probably looking at this three-page to-do list and wondering, “Where do I start?”

Surprisingly, the answer is really simple. Do first what requires your spouse to be here — like getting your ID's renewed. If your IDs are due to expire anytime during your husband’s deployment, then those need to be a priority. Power of Attorney and Wills are also a major priority. And, when it comes to getting a POA check with all the places in which you may need to use it, and ask them which type of POA you need. (Yes, there is more than one.) Go over the list thoroughly and make sure you complete everything you need your husband present for, because, once he’s overseas, you're on your own.

Take very seriously the documentations you need to have copies of or readily at hand. All medical records, shot records, marriage certificates, home mortgage information, and even a list of important phone numbers. It seems like a lot, but the moment you're without any of these is usually the moment you're in need of them most, only you're not going to be able to send your husband a quick text to see if he can help you find the info you're missing. Also take very seriously the current list of Next of Kin and Trusted Friend info you need to have on hand. If something happens to YOU (serious car accident or injury) and you have no next of kin listed or primary care giver assigned, child services will step in. Yes we all think nothing like this will happen to us, and hopefully it never will, but in the event that it does happen make sure your children are left in the hands of someone they know and you can completely trust.

Make sure that both names are on all bills, utility companies, phone accounts, etc. Make sure both you and your husband are listed as persons able to make account decisions. Regardless if you are married, most companies now will not allow a spouse to make decisions on an account unless the primary account holder has given the proper authorization. This one seems minor, but it is a task that can easily be taken care of while your husband is still stateside.

Lastly, do go to the predeployment briefings and meetings. Get to know the names and ranks of your husband’s chain of command. Keep a folder where you keep all of your important documents that you need to have readily available, and write on the inside of the folder itself the names and ranks of your husbands CO, XO, sergeant major, company commander and first sergeant.

The list is long, and even for those experienced in deployments, it can feel overwhelming. Just take it step by step, and make sure to get all the important things done first. However, don't neglect the less important items either. Everything that is on this list is on here for a reason.

Been through a deployment? Then you're probably already familiar with the predeployment checklist. Prepping for your first deployment? Then you're probably looking at this three-page to-do list and wondering, “Where do I start?”

Surprisingly, the answer is really simple. Do first what requires your spouse to be here — like getting your ID's renewed. If your IDs are due to expire anytime during your husband’s deployment, then those need to be a priority. Power of Attorney and Wills are also a major priority. And, when it comes to getting a POA check with all the places in which you may need to use it, and ask them which type of POA you need. (Yes, there is more than one.) Go over the list thoroughly and make sure you complete everything you need your husband present for, because, once he’s overseas, you're on your own.

Take very seriously the documentations you need to have copies of or readily at hand. All medical records, shot records, marriage certificates, home mortgage information, and even a list of important phone numbers. It seems like a lot, but the moment you're without any of these is usually the moment you're in need of them most, only you're not going to be able to send your husband a quick text to see if he can help you find the info you're missing. Also take very seriously the current list of Next of Kin and Trusted Friend info you need to have on hand. If something happens to YOU (serious car accident or injury) and you have no next of kin listed or primary care giver assigned, child services will step in. Yes we all think nothing like this will happen to us, and hopefully it never will, but in the event that it does happen make sure your children are left in the hands of someone they know and you can completely trust.

Make sure that both names are on all bills, utility companies, phone accounts, etc. Make sure both you and your husband are listed as persons able to make account decisions. Regardless if you are married, most companies now will not allow a spouse to make decisions on an account unless the primary account holder has given the proper authorization. This one seems minor, but it is a task that can easily be taken care of while your husband is still stateside.

Lastly, do go to the predeployment briefings and meetings. Get to know the names and ranks of your husband’s chain of command. Keep a folder where you keep all of your important documents that you need to have readily available, and write on the inside of the folder itself the names and ranks of your husbands CO, XO, sergeant major, company commander and first sergeant.

The list is long, and even for those experienced in deployments, it can feel overwhelming. Just take it step by step, and make sure to get all the important things done first. However, don't neglect the less important items either. Everything that is on this list is on here for a reason.

Do you have any tips you'd like to share for getting through the predeployment checklist, and how you've organized all of your documentation?