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:
    Take the steps necessary to ensure your family actually receives the benefits to which it is entitled.

    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]

[The Work Table] [Retirement]

[What is Family Readiness/Mobilization?] [Prepare for Separation]