1. Pre-Deployment Briefing
This is sample of a comprehensive pre-deployment briefing for Service Members and their Families. This is meant to touch on all highly recommended pre-deployment briefings as well as some ideas for additional information. There are no mandatory briefing requirements in the pre-deployment reintegration phase.
Service Members & Families

2. Introduction Prepare for deployment now Get organized
Prepare Family Members
Communicate with your Family
State Soldier & Family Program Office (XXX) XXX-XXXX
This slide touches briefly on what Service Members and their Families should focus on to prepare for deployment. As you show this slide, give very specific examples on communicating, preparing, and getting organized. More specific examples will be given later during the presentation. Don’t forget to provide important contact information.
Adapted from Alabama

3. We Are Here To:
Provide information in order to experience a smooth transition from Guard military lifestyle to an Active Duty military lifestyle!
Briefing Packet given to each Service Member at their Soldier Readiness Process (SRP)
Connect you with Chaplains, Military Family Support Services, TRICARE, and many other resources available to Service Members and their Family Members.
This slide provides information about the purpose and mission of the YRRP team. This should exemplify how the YRRP team can provide assistance to Service Members and their Families.
Adapted from Alabama

4. What is Expected Of:
SERVICE MEMBER: Take care of your Family & provide financial support. Ensure that your Family is taken care of in case you cannot.
FAMILY MEMBERS: Support the Service Member and become self-sufficient. Know that everything is in place so that you can care for your Service Member if he/she cannot.
Plan financial matters: Budget, bills, goals
Adapted from Alabama

5. Military OneSource 24-hour worldwide service, every day
Telephone, face-to-face, online
No cost & private
Solution-focused
Objective, experienced, real people
Extension of existing installation services
A family readiness tool. MOS supports the mission, before problems begin…
One Source is committed to delivering a high quality experience for Service Members and their families. We answer the phone in person 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Our goal is to answer 90% of all calls within 20 seconds or about 5 rings of the phone.
Your consultant will always follow-up to make sure the information provided was helpful. Once we have met your needs, we’ll also ask you to give us feedback on the service. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our service and we value your feedback. 5 5
Adapted from Alabama

6. Operation: Military Kids
OMK Coordinator
OMK Camps at 4-H Center
Ages 8-18
Other camping and community opportunities for military youth
OMK is a nationwide youth program. Although this is not on the highly recommended list for pre-deployment briefings, providing information on youth programs is a best practice in pre-deployment briefings. This practice gives caregivers options for youth activities while their Service Member is deployed.
Adapted from Alabama

7. Military Family Life Consultants
Provide non-medical, short-term, solution-focused counseling services for deployment, reintegration, and other military lifestyle stressors.
Provide outreach to families with children to offer parenting and child development education.
Provide more than 70 presentations and workshops for children and adults.
Raise community awareness through presentations and workshops.
If the State uses the services of MFLC’s, it is a good practice to introduce them and their program during the pre-deployment phase to allow Service Members and families a chance to become familiar with the programs and people.
Adapted from Alabama

8. Our Military Kids
Our Military Kids pays the fees for children (ages 3 years through 12th grade) of deployed Reserve and National Guard to participate in extracurricular activities.
Grant will cover up to six months of instruction, lessons, or tutoring for one activity/program with maximum grant award of $ per child.
Application can be obtained from the State National Guard Child & Youth Coordinator or online at
According to studies, a Service Member’s number one concern while deployed is his family (Rand ,Deployment Experiences of Guard and Reserve Families 2008). Collaborating with agencies providing services and support to families will allow the Service Member to further focus on the mission at hand. Our Military Kids is one example of a resource for Military families of deployed Service Members. Even if a representative from support agencies such as these cannot be present, briefing about the support they provide and how to contact them is a best practice.
Adapted from Alabama

9. Unit Specific TRICARE
TRICARE Early Eligibility started for Service & Family Members [INSERT ACTUAL DATE HERE]
Family Members have TRICARE medical coverage while Service Member is on T10 duty EXCEPT FOR DEERS ineligible period
After deployment: Service Member & Family Members have 180 days of FREE TRICARE after end of active duty
Providing unit specific TRICARE information I.e. the specific date the unit or units attending the YRRP pre-deployment briefing will become eligible for TRICARE is a best practice. If you have multiple units deploying, you can create one slide with specific dates for each unit, or include each unit with TRICARE eligibility dates for each one slide. TRICARE is a highly recommended briefing for pre-deployment.
Adapted from Alabama

10. TRICARE Caution
Mob Date days: Make every effort to NOT schedule appointments or fill prescriptions as you will show ineligible
If you must see a doctor or have a prescription filled during this period, save the receipt and file it with TRICARE later
Emergencies
Additional tips regarding common TRICARE deployment pitfalls is a best practice.
Adapted from Alabama

11. The TRICARE Program
Early TRICARE Coverage (up to 90 days before mob date)
TRICARE Standard/Extra Option (ID Card)
TRICARE Prime/Prime Remote (ID Card)
TRICARE TAMP Benefit (For 180 days after REFRAD)
TRICARE RESERVE SELECT (TRS)
Authorized to Purchase TRS 180 days after mob:
Cost: $ /Mo. Family
$ 47.51/Mo. Soldier Only
Adapted from Alabama

12. The TRICARE Program
During deployment: Deductibles waived for Standard Option
No pre-existing clauses when becoming eligible for TRICARE Medical Benefits
Civilian Insurance Coverage during deployment (Primary Payer w/ TRICARE as Secondary Payer) FAMILY MEMBERS ONLY: Service members must use TRICARE
Prescription Drugs: Free at Government Medical Pharmacy, co-pay not to exceed $3 for generic brand or $9 for name brand at local civilian pharmacy
One eye exam authorized annually (Prime/Prime Remote only)
No waiting period nor pre-existing clause when resuming civilian insurance after deployment
Adapted from Alabama

13. The TRICARE Program Premium Costs
Guard/Reserve premium per month
Service Member: $12.12
One Family Member: $30.29
Family Coverage: $75.73
WHILE ON ACTIVE DUTY
Service Member: NO PREMIUM
One Family Member: $12.12
Family coverage: $30.29
Adapted from Alabama

14. TRICARE Medical & Dental: Separate services
Medical – Humana Mil Healthcare Svcs or
Dental – United Concordia –Customer Svc or
POC:
Providing a local POC to help navigate the TRICARE system is a best practice. States with embedded TRICARE medical managers/Health Benefits Advisors such as KS and WI are able to utilize a team member to help Service Members and their Families through the TRICARE transition process.
Adapted from Alabama

15. Families: Are you Ready for Deployment?
Can you pay bills?
Do you have dependable transportation?
When does your ID Card expire?
Do you have copies of the Mobilization Order?
Are your Family Members enrolled in DEERS?
Do you have updated copies of DD Fm 93/SGLV 8286?
Do you have or need a Power of Attorney or Will?
Are you personally and emotionally prepared?
Giving specific scenarios to families to help prepare them for deployment issues and the resources available to resolve those issues is a best practice.
Adapted from Alabama

16. SGLV 8286 & DD 93
Service Members Group Life Insurance: $400,000 for $27/mo
DD Form 93: Record of Emergency Data
Service members: Ensure that these documents are current and accurate.
Casualty procedures (next slide)
Adapted from Alabama

17. Casualty Procedures Notification process Travel: Passports
Adapted from Alabama

18. Enrolled in DEERS? (Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System)
Must have proper documentation!
Ensures TRICARE Eligibility
Some state YRRP programs provide Mobile RAPIDS (Real-time Automated Personal Identification System) at their pre-deployment events to make it easier on Service Members and their Families to acquire ID cards and update their DEERS enrollment. Other states provide a list of RAPIDS sites available in their state.

19. Who is Eligible for ID Cards?
Spouses (also some former spouses)
Children at age 10 (also some under 10)
Unmarried children under age 21
Dependents/disabled children
Unmarried children Age 21-23, attending college full-time
Dependent parents
Unmarried illegitimate children
= dependent upon sponsor for over ½ of their support (Listed on Federal Income Tax Forms)
Adapted from Alabama

20. ID Card Stations
Provide List of all local ID Card and RAPIDS Stations here
Adapted from Alabama

21. Will Information List of Assets Beneficiaries Executor/executrix
Primary/alternate guardian
Money distribution
Special items
This information is part of the Legal Readiness briefing that is highly recommended in the pre-deployment phase.

22. Letter of Instruction Detailed asset distribution
Messages and directions
Funeral arrangements
Where to find important documents
Who to call
NOT legally binding

23. Non-Support of Family Members
AR : Family Support, Child Custody, & Paternity
“Service Member required to provide financial support to family members.”
“Commander MUST become involved”
If Service Member received BAH w/dependent rate, as a minimum, MUST pay that amount to Spouse/Dependent Children.
Soldier MUST comply with written court orders.
If Service Member refuses to provide financial support to family, Commander may punish Service Member: Refuse leave; Article 15 or Court Martial.
This issue should NEVER become an Inspector General (IG) complaint!!!
Adapted from Alabama

24. Powers of Attorney General Special
Child Support – Service Members continued responsibility to pay while on Active Duty

25. Family Care Plans Who needs a Family Care Plan?
Dual military couple with dependents
Single Service Member with dependents
Copy maintained by unit and FAC Specialist.
Is plan current?
Will plan work?
Have you done the following:
*Assigned a guardian *Obtained ID Cards
* Emergency needs * Financial matters * Access to necessary funds* Child care, education, and medical care * Will * Travel and escort * DEERS * Discussed plan with children
Family Care Plans are a highly recommended briefing in enclosure 3. A copy of a family care plan may be found in the joint toolkit:
Adapted from Alabama

26. Who Will Assist Family Members During Deployment?
Family Assistance Center - Military Personnel (military family related issues)
Unit Family Readiness Group - Unit volunteer family members (emotional support)
State Family Program Office:
Military Installations - Variety of services
(continued)
Adapted from Alabama

27. Who Will Assist Family Members During Deployment?
ALWAYS GET NAME AND PHONE NUMBER OF ANYONE CALLING YOU
Local community agencies
Chaplains
Family Assistance Center Specialist
Red Cross
Public Affairs Officer (PAO)
Family Programs is a highly recommended briefing for the pre-deployment phase. Providing a list of Family Assistance Center locations and contact information for the state is helpful to Service Members and their families.
Adapted from Alabama

28. Operational Security
Service Members: Do not violate Operational Security (OPSEC).
Family: You should not be aware of the unit’s OPSEC.
Do not discuss travel arrangements.
Media/news: Beware!
Public Affairs Office:(XXX) XXX-XXXX
Handout
Adapted from Alabama

29. American Red Cross Get info from Red Cross TODAY
Know what information is required concerning your Service Member if/when you ask ARC to forward message.
List of Red Cross chapter’s phone numbers
Go to the Red Cross table TODAY!
Adapted from Alabama

30. Family Assistance: Statewide
LIST FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER LOCATIONS AND POC’s HERE
Adapted from Alabama

31. What is a Family Readiness Group?
A group of family members and concerned individuals who volunteer and are willing to lend a helping hand. FRG members listen to problems, answer questions and refer individuals to proper agencies for solution to the more complex situations. FRGs care and share, especially during deployments and mobilization.
Be a active part in your FRG! You WIN!!!
The pre-deployment phase is a good time for FRG groups to come together and discuss upcoming meeting dates and locations, events planned, etc.
Adapted from Alabama

32. Veterans Service Organizations
Blinded Veterans Association
Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc.
Catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A.
Disabled American Veterans
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.
Legion of Valor of the USA, Inc.
Marine Corps League
Military Chaplains Association of the USA
Military Order of the Purple Heart
National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Inc.
National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs
National Veterans Legal Services Program
National Veterans Organization of America
Navy Club of the United States of America
Navy Mutual Aid Association
Non-Commissioned Officers Association of the USA
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Swords to Plowshares: Veterans Rights Organization
U.S. Submarine Veterans, Inc.
Veterans Assistance Foundation, Inc.
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Veterans of the Vietnam War, Inc. & The Veterans Coalition
Vietnam Veterans of America
Women's Army Corps Veterans Association
Wounded Warrior Project
Veterans Service Organizations
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
American Legion
American Red Cross
AMVETS (American Veterans)
Army and Navy Union
This is a partial but comprehensive list of Veterans Service Organizations, a highly recommended pre-deployment brief. For a more in depth Veterans Affairs (VA) briefing, go to
For more information on any of these go to:
Adapted from Alabama

33. Army Spouse Employment Program
Increased career options and flexibility
Job search capability by zip code
Assistance in preparation of resumes and cover letters
Adapted from Alabama

34. Safety Precautions
Other than Family, friends, & colleagues, don’t tell people your spouse is gone.
When someone calls asking for your spouse – never tell them that your spouse isn’t home.
Don’t discuss their absence in public, even with friends.
Don’t give social security numbers to persons over the phone unless you are requesting a service or information that requires the SSN.
Adapted from Alabama

35. Safety Precautions Develop and practice a fire safety plan.
Talk to and educate your children about deployment.
Contact your children's teacher(s).
Adapted from Alabama

36. Summary Preparation is the key for managing deployment issues.
Talk openly with Family Members.
Address financial issues that may come up during deployment.
Have paperwork in order including wills and powers of attorney.
Develop a safety plan and a plan to keep in touch.
Seek help if you have difficulty managing deployment.
Adapted from Alabama

37. Future Events Family During Mob 1– [Date and Location Here]
Yellow Ribbon 1 – [Date and Location Here]
YR 2/Freedom Salute – [Date and Location Here]
Travel & per diem paid to 2 family members attending these events
Childcare & Youth activities provided
Adapted from Alabama