Prepare your family now for separation
As the possibility for mobilization grows closer to reality for thousands of Army Reserve soldiers,
now is the time to plan and prepare for separation from family by getting personal, financial and legal affairs in order.
A Checklist is provided below.
Emotions connected with separations are many and vary from family to family. Most family members suffer from some sense of anger or loss at separation. The best way to deal with these feelings is to get them out in the open and discuss them.
Make sure your family, especially the children, understands why you are going and how long you will be gone. Assure your children that you are going because of your special job, and let them know how to contact you in case of emergency.
If the entire family understands the Army Reserve's purpose and shares your commitment to that purpose, separations will be more bearable.
Sit down with your family and work out practical matters as well. Come up with a budget for the separation time to ensure that your expenses are covered. Draw up a schedule for routine household chores and attend to basic repairs and maintenance before you leave.
Be sure your family is aware of the military benefits and support services available to them while you are away, such as unlimited commissary and exchange privileges.
Lastly, keep your attitude upbeat and reinforce family togetherness.
For your own protection and that of your family:
Know who to call if you or your family needs help or has an emergency.
Keep your employer informed as far in advance as possible about your deployment and return.
Tell your family what to expect from the Army Reserve and what the Army Reserve expects from you.
Inform your family of your mission, training requirements and schedule.
Make a personal file to manage day-to-day family business.
Protect your personal property. Take inventory of your possessions.
Update your official family care plan at your unit to ensure guardianship and care of children and dependents.
Keep your Emergency Data Form and SGLI beneficiary information up-to-date.
A checklist is always an excellent tool for accessing your current status. Here is one.
FAMILY READINESS CHECKLIST
|
Drill and Annual Training Schedule |
___ Schedule of Drill Dates ___ AT Dates ___ Special Schools |
|
Military Orders |
___ Are copies at Home? |
| Unit Information |
___ Unit Contacts ___ Family Program Group ___ Are you on the Telephone Tree? ___ What is your base Pay? Will it support the family? |
|
Legal Information - Place in an Accessible Location |
___ Power of Attorney ___ Will ___ Birth Certificate ___ Marriage Certificates ___ Military Dependent Identification Cards ___ Vehicle Title – Registration ___ Driver’s License ___ Diplomas |
|
Insurance Papers |
___ Life Insurance ___ Health Insurance ___ Car Insurance ___ Homeowner’s/Renters Insurance |
|
Financial Accounts - Account numbers, bank books |
___ Bank – Checking, Savings, CDs ___ Mortgage ___ Car Loan ___ Other Loans ___ Credit Cards |
|
Safety Deposit Box |
___ Who has Access? ___ Where is the key? |
|
Family Medical Information |
___ Immunizations including tetanus ___ Health and Dental records ___ Family Doctor ___ Medical Power of Attorney ___ Veterinary Clinic and Doctor ___ Animal shots to date? |
|
Family Readiness Checklist for Activation |
___ Red Cross Information ___ Full Name, Rank, SSN, Branch of Service ___ What’s Next Booklet ___ Family Assistance Center location and phone number |
|
Family Budget - Payments/Dates due/Addresses |
____ Mortgage/rent ___ Telephone ___ Water and sewage ___ Electricity ___ Heating fuel ___ Trash ___ Insurance ___ Taxes ___ Credit cards ___ Other debts |
|
Transportation/Automobile |
___ Are all drivers insured? Have valid driver’s licenses? ___ Where are duplicate keys? ___ Can you handle emergency repairs? ___ Towing service number – Auto Club ___ Repair garage number ___ Vehicle Tag renewal – safety inspection ___ Who can be called for emergency transportation? ___ If family members cannot drive, what arrangements have been made? |
|
Housing Reminders |
___ Fuse box – breaker box location and use ___ List of repairpersons for plumbing, electrical, structural repairs ___ Yard equipment and yard service ___ Water valves – main water valve ___ Gas control valve for emergency ___ Flashlights for power outages |
[The Basics] [The Family] [The Checkbook] [The File Cabinet]
[The Magazine Rack] [The School House] [The Medicine Cabinet] [The Laundry Bag]
[What is Family Readiness/Mobilization?] [Prepare for Separation]
