Preparing for a deployment can feel daunting. The deployment you’ve been dreading is getting closer. It isn’t something you have wanted to talk about, or even think about, but nonetheless it is coming soon. Personally I have been through 4 deployments ranging from 4 months to 8 months. I have been pregnant during deployments, or with new babies, and prepping never seems easy – but it IS doable. I am here to show you how!
Here are the TOP TIPS to BEST prepare in the days/weeks leading up to the deployment.
Take Care of Business:
- Get the Paperwork in Order: Especially, make sure you have all your POA’s (power of attorney). These will enable you to handle any financial, home, car, family or DEERS tasks you encounter during the deployment on your own. This is something your loved one MUST do so you may need to give lots of gentle reminders, as they are busy too. However, this is priority number one. You also will want to think about your spouse’s emergency paperwork such as a will. Better to be prepared and never have to use it.
- Make Yourself a Home and Family Binder: In your binder you’ll keep your POA’s, a copy of your spouses deployment orders, unit orders, financial passwords or account information and important phone numbers to rear detachment. You will also add information for your kids, any medical information for your family, meal plans, etc. Basically, anything that you would want to have on hand to access quickly. Personally I use a binder with page protectors, but whatever works for you is great.
- Know the Right People: Find out your Ombudsmen information and get involved with the FRG (Family Readiness Group). These spouses are chalk full of information and resources and will be your first point of contact to your service member if there is any issue.
Take Care of the Home:
- Around the House: If you have home projects you have been putting off, maybe look into getting those done prior to your loved one leaving. Everything from planting a garden, fixing a leaky toilet to cleaning the roof and gutters; If you can take care of it in your budget, you may want to do it while everyone is around, just in case. Also, consider taking care of those “seasonal” items as well while you have an extra set of hands (swapping out decor, clothes, tree trimmings, etc).
- Cars: Similarly, it would be good to prepare your vehicles, especially the one your loved one drives the most. Changing the oils, rotating and putting air in tires, checking the breaks and air conditioning, etc can all be on this list. Again, stick to your budget, but preventative maintenance is never a bad thing.
- Freezer Meals: I have said it before and I will say it again- Freezer meals are your friends! Having simple, family friendly freezer meals ready prior to a deployment will save you time, energy and frustration down the road. You do not even have to have a lot of space or a large family. Batch cooking and freezing in single/small portions can be just as beneficial as a family size lasagna.
- Finances: Decide on what you’ll do with all the extra pay during the deployment (and yes they do get a little extra). Decide together how you want to use the money. Consider paying off debts or saving for a large purchase or simply a rainy day.
Take Care of Your Family
- Gather Items: If you have little ones, start collecting items for your little one to help with a smooth transition with the deployment. This could consist of getting a Hug-A-Hero Doll (take the photo of our service member), or gathering and reading books to help them understand and process the emotions with deployment.
- Set Routines: Routines are so important for keeping everyone sane during a deployment, and starting BEFORE the deployment happens will make all the difference in the world. This way there is some continuity to life, even with the change.
- Plan Fun: Plan family outings for you and your loved one. This doesn’t have to be anything expensive or fancy. Just blocked out family time that helps bond everyone together. Some ideas include family movie or game night, dinner at favorite restaurant, or hiking/walks in the park.
- PLAN A DATE NIGHT: No phones, no distractions, no kids. Get a sitter and spend time with just your SO. Communicate and make the most of that time together. Keep in mind, prior to deployment, your spouse may go into “deployment mode”. He may not be as affectionate or dependent on you in preparation for the separation. This is nothing personal, it’s just a way of preparing and coping.
Take Care of You.
- Establish Good Self-care Habits NOW: Stress is at an all time high so go do something for yourself that will help you in the long run. If you don’t have them already, get some good healthy habits started, included eating healthy, getting some exercises regularly and getting enough sleep. I know, it can feel like a huge goal, but even picking just ONE habit to start can make a difference in your self-care.
- Make Goals for YOU: Set some goals for yourself whether it’s financial, fitness, or something new you want to learn. Some goals I have made in the past include doing a Whole30, training for a 5K race, learning a piece on the piano and finishing some certification. Each deployment should be seen as an opportunity to better yourself. Use the time you have without your loved one to make a difference and better yourself
One Step At a Time
If this list seems like a lot, I suggest taking just one item at a time. The time you spend preparing for a deployment pays off down the road. You’ll find that you are better able to handle the stress of the separation and take care of yourself and your family.
