Don’t forget a thing!

There’s a lot of moving parts involved in getting ready for deployment — use our checklist to make sure nothing important slips through the cracks.

Operations Security

OPSEC means being mindful of what you share about your Soldier’s deployment, both in person and virtually. By understanding and following the guidelines below, you can contribute to mission readiness and ensure everyone’s safety and security during deployment. Make sure to include your children in this conversation!

  • Avoid sharing the following details:

    • Specific dates (especially return or arrival dates)

    • Location (like where your service member is deployed or where you’re living)

    • Casualties

    • Unit specifics (including unit morale, personnel problems, capabilities, activities, force readiness or supply shortages)

  • Review and consider updating certain settings on your social media and online accounts:

    • Privacy settings

    • Location settings

    • Third-party applications

    • Parental controls

Important Documents:

Know where the following documents are located and create copies as needed!

  • Deployment orders and all amendments

  • Birth certificates (Soldier, spouse, children)

  • Social Security cards (Soldier, spouse, children)

  • Marriage certificate

  • Insurance policies (life, home/renters, auto, health)

  • Rental lease and/or mortgage paperwork

  • Automotive paperwork (title, registration, loan if applicable)

  • Passports (current)

  • Vaccination records (Soldier, spouse, children)

  • Powers of Attorney, Special or General, if needed (make an appointment with the Legal Assistance Office if so: 315-772-5261)

  • Any relevant court orders

  • Other paperwork to include: citizenship, divorce, adoption, pet, etc.

Family Considerations:

  • Ensure Military IDs are up-to-date for each member of your family. Children 10 years and older need a military ID. Sponsors should sign a DD Form 1172 before departure to allow for enrollment in DEERS and ID card application at Clark Hall if needed (315-772-5149).

  • Develop a Family Care Plan if needed, utilizing Child Youth Services for care needs (315-772-6715).

  • Consider creating a video or recording of yourself reading a bedtime story for your children to enjoy! The USO (315-772-8006) and McEwen Library (315-772-9099) offer recording services to families.

Housing + Vehicles

  • If your family will not be living in your home on post for part or all of the deployment, call and inform the community housing office (315-955-6644). You can also complete a Home Watch Request Form, authorizing Mountain Community Homes to enter the home weekly to conduct maintenance and functionality checks.

  • Prepare your vehicle for storage if needed

  • If not storing your vehicle, discuss and prepare these vehicle maintenance items as needed:

    • Regular services (oil, filters, etc.)

    • Winterization (Fort Drum Goodyear: 315-773-8025)

    • Insurance + renewal date/cost/procedures

    • Safety inspection and registration requirements

Medical + Finance

  • Enroll all family members in TRICARE for the area where they will be living during the deployment.

  • Make budget, savings, debt management, major payments, and allotments plans. The Family Resource Center offers personal financial planning services (315-772-5196).

  • Develop a plan for completing taxes, including gathering all necessary documents. Utilize Military One Source for help preparing and filling taxes.