Family Tips to Prepare for National Guard Separation
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Getting the call to prepare for deployment is never easy, especially if you're in the National Guard. However, in today's current geo-political climate, it's becoming less of an if it will happen and more of a when it will happen. A good separation tip for when this happens is to have a personal readiness checklist.
A Family Readiness Plan for Your National Guard SeparationTo have a family readiness plan, you should first get a folder with at least five tabs or dividers. The five tabs should have: communication methods (ways to contact you when you're away), powers of attorney, your will, a document locator form (so people will know where you other important documents are) and a readiness checklist. Having this will enable your family to know the location of all of your important information. Finally, make sure you keep this in a safe and secure area.
Other Important Tips for National Guard SeparationWith your family, you should discuss the role of the Red Cross in family emergencies. Another thing you should do is to obtain and update ID cards for each family member. One of the most important things that you can do is to discuss with your loved ones the feelings involved with military separation, and make sure to include your children in the discussion (if you have any). While talking, you should also cover your benefits (TriCare, etc.).
Another important thing that you should do when preparing to leave for the National Guard is to notify your civilian supervisor of your upcoming deployment. Make sure you provide copies of your order, unit contacts and USERRA information.
Separating from your family is always difficult. When you're in the National Guard, you might not be as prepared to leave as a Marine, who must be ready on hours notice. However, when you take the proper steps, your separation while in the National Guard won't be as difficult as it could be.
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