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Pre-deployment to-do list

“Taking Care of Business” is a new Web-based program that soldiers and families can use to get smart about the legal documents signed before soldiers deploy. In the pre-deployment process, it helps them talk about the possibility of serious injury or death. Short videos and other materials can be downloaded by clicking here.

Here are some things to consider before you deploy:

• Choose someone you trust who will know how to locate and responsibly handle your personal history documents, employment records, car information, insurance, property and finances.

• Make sure your loved ones have a complete official mailing address, key telephone numbers and e-mail contacts for your chain of command; the last four numbers of your Social Security number; and the Family Readiness Group telephone number.

• Research the availability of the services and benefits that would be available to your loved ones in case you’re hurt or killed; check with the local Red Cross and Army Emergency Relief.

• Set up a process to see that your bills are paid on time. If you plan to do it online while you’re away, have a backup plan with someone you trust in case you can’t get to a computer.

More ways to be ready

Soldiers and families may want to consider drawing up documents in addition to the ones required by the Army:

• Power of attorney allows you to give authority to an individual to act on your behalf while you’re alive.

• Healthcare or medical power of attorney is a specific power of attorney that states a person you have chosen to make healthcare decisions for you; it activates if you become unable to make medical decisions.

• Advance medical directive or living will describes the kind of medical treatments or life-sustaining measures you would want, or that you would not want, if you were to become seriously or terminally ill. A living will alone does not let you select someone to make decisions for you.

• Will contains your instructions and wishes as to how your property and assets are to be distributed after your death and your wishes with regard to your children and property or money designated for them, including the establishment of trusts.

Source: Army