Pre-deployment Preparation for Families & Dependents

During this phase of the deployment cycle, the AC IA Sailor goes through training and medical evaluations that maintain personal and unit readiness. From the family’s point of view, this phase of the deployment cycle is normal life, since the AC IA Sailor is at home and going to work on a regular basis. For families of RC Sailors there is some additional stress as the Sailor works on completing mobilization preparation while continuing to work for his or her civilian employer. During this phase, the IA Sailor is encouraged to begin preparing legal, financial, and other personal matters.

• Pre-deployment begins with notification of orders.
• The purpose of Pre-deployment activities is to prepare the Sailor for mobilization, including preparing his or her family.
• Pre-deployment ends when the Sailor departs his or her Parent Command and heads to Navy Mobilization Processing Site (NMPS).  Families may not accompany IA Sailors to NMPS or beyond.

Know-Before-They-Go Checklists

• Help your Sailor complete his or her administrative, legal, and financial readiness actions (active or reserve).
• Helping your IA Sailor prepare and pack ahead of time will help your family enjoy more quality time prior to your Sailor's departure.
• Enroll your family in the military healthcare system appropriate to your status / location.
• Obtain a command sponorship letter to allow your family to visit you via Space-A travel (at a R&R location or in non-hazardous duty locations).
• I have an emergency! 

Tips & Best Practices

• Check out the Fleet & Family Support Center (FFSC) video series on preparing for deployment.
• Create a communication plan with your IA Sailor.
• Create a financial plan to take advantage of the financial benefits that are often associated with a mobilization.
• Take advantage of the numerous support networks that exist to support the families of deployed IA Sailors.
• Be aware of the DoD and US Navy services available to support IA Sailors and their dependents.
• Create a family care plan together with your IA Sailor, even if one is not required by his or her command.
• Be aware of your civilian re-employment rights under USERRA and VOW/VEI.

Want to Know More?

• The Navy IA Family Handbook - most of the info in this website in a single PDF, also available in hardcopy from most Fleet & Family Support Centers.
• What is an IDSS and why to they call me?
• The comprehensive Deployment Readiness Guide from Military OneSource.
• "Plan My Deployment: Pre-Deployment" provides comprehensive checklists and resources for IA Sailors and their families.
• Find a host of relevant articles for the pre-deployment family at Military OneSource.
• Chaplain Support
• For families of mobilized Reserve Component Sailors, understand the benefits to which you are entitled.