With deployments coming down the pipeline, how can I best prepare my significant other for me being away? How can I prepare myself as an 2LT?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 01:44:57 -0400

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 12 at 2017 3:37 AM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 03:37:16 -0400

To prepare your significant other, make sure that they have all of the proper contact information for your unit rear d and the frg just in case of an emergency. Also, make sure that they know how often you may be able to contact them. Make sure that they know what to expect so that they don't worry. When you get an address for APO make sure they get it.

For you, trust in you senior NCOs, they will not set you up for failure. Double check with them for what you should expect and what you need to do and bring to be prepared. It would not be a horrible idea either to link their spouses up with yours (depending on the character of the spouses) so that they can have someone who knows the way of deployed life. This will give your SO someone to talk to if it gets rough on them.

Ensure your guys are just as well prepared. Get all of the stupid paperwork finished and focus on making sure everyone's ducks are in a row. There should never be a case where you have a Joe that wasn't prepared and two months in his wife needs a power of attorney or an AER loan because something wasn't done.

Go into it thinking the worst and hope for the best. Keep your chin up and your head down. Trust in your training and skills and lean on your Noncoms if you have to.

Response by SGT Jody Trapp made Jun 12 at 2017 6:21 AM

SGT Jody Trapp — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 06:21:19 -0400

Don't make promises you cant keep like don't worry babe we will talk all the time or give any type of expectations like that. Even if you know for sure you will be able to, its best to prepare them for the worst.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Jun 12 at 2017 7:25 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 07:25:46 -0400

Has she had any exposure to Active Duty yet? I got married on a Saturday and reported to OCS the next Friday, so mine go used to it quick. The biggest thing is that she be aware of how to contact your unit people stateside if she has any issues with pay, health coverage etc. Generally deployed units have family support groups and being active in those can be a big help. Make sure she knows who and how to contact you if there is a family emergency. From your profile I see you are National Guard, but if you do happen to be on a military post, most units will have an offices wives club that can provide tremendous support and information to the families. My experience has been that they know more about what's going on than anyone.
I'll share sometime about what happens when your wife calls the base commanders wife.
As for yourself, I agree with SGT. Gunderson, get all the paperwork done AND your wife knows who and where to contact people. As for yourself, after getting the family squared away, make sure that you and all your people have all the gear they are authorized, and start bugging people if you don't. Make sure all your troops have all their paperwork complete and that their families know what to do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2017 2:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 14:54:35 -0400

I would add sir... Time does not freeze because your not there. Things will happen and you can not be there to fix it (if it needs fixing). Events will happen that you will miss. Hopefully someone took good pictures or videos. Memories will be made that you are not apart of. That is just part of what comes with the job. Last part, your other half will adjust to you not being there. So when you get back don't expect everything to be the exact same as when you left.
As for down range, look out for your soldiers. Try not to be the good idea fairy who sprinkles the magic dust then leaves once work start. Soldier take note on who's there just to get bullets points. Work with your NCO's. And know more than just the first and last name of your soldiers.
Best of luck and travel safe.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2017 3:34 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 15:34:14 -0400

Encourage your significant other to partake in FRG, and to attend ALL Yellow Ribbon events with you prior to your getting on the plane. As for you, heed the guidance of your NCOs that have already been downrange. Seek guidance from your Commander and XO. Trust but verify. And do your damndest to get the mission done and bring as many of your people home in one piece.

Response by 1SG Bill Farmerie made Jun 12 at 2017 4:19 PM

1SG Bill Farmerie — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 16:19:25 -0400

Don't get a general power of attorney, do specific power of attorney.