Pre-deployment preparation advice for NG

2015-09-17T16:58:47-04:00

I was just recently handed off to my NG unit a month ago; I received an email from my readiness NCO looking for volunteers for deployments, I volunteered and now I'd like to get some input/advice on how to prepare for a deployment (i.e. contract cancellations, car note suspension, organizations to keep family informed, etc.).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 5:26 PM

2015-09-17T17:26:50-04:00

Organizations to keep your family informed: FRG (Family Readiness Group). You are going to attend Yellow Ribbons so take your family along because there is all kinds of info given out for them.

Speaking of Yellow Ribbons: When you go, all of those answers that you need will be given during those. Pay attention and take notes.

As for your deployment, always always ALWAYS remember OPSEC. Don't give out any deployment info on social media nor thru regular email. When your family asks when you are leaving, only give them a general window...like the year you are leaving. When they ask when you are coming back, tell them that when you knock on the door is when you will be home. I say this because I had seen units in Iraq get their departure date pushed back months because someone blasted on FB when they would be home. Don't even give specifics as to where you are going. If you are going to the desert, just say that.

Getting ready for it: Listen to the NCO's and Officers that have gone before you and heed their advice and info.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 12:16 AM

2015-09-18T00:16:36-04:00

SSG Thomas Livingston has good advice, and especially about telling your family when you'll be home-- keep it vague, not only for OPSEC reasons (which are good reasons) but also because, if something comes up and you wind up getting extended, your family never had a specific time to look forward to that is now ruined, and erodes morale and gives them worry.

Think of anything that might go wrong-- even crazy stuff. A burst water heater, a storm causes a tree to fall and crush a car or a room of the house, etc-- and have a plan of some sort. Have friends, family, or the FRG ready to help. Plans for sickness or injury back home, so you can just say over the phone, "Remember, we planned for this. Just go to Aunt Martha's like we talked about" or whatever.

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 18 at 2015 12:24 AM

2015-09-18T00:24:27-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Take care of your physical and mental well being and that of your battle buddies. Focus on the mission and not what is going on at home, if you do that it will serve you well. Do not let the platoon whiner pull you down with his BS, every unit has a few. Learn! Learn your job, learn from the experiences life will bring your way while deployed. It may be the hardest thng you have ever done or you may be bored to tears at times. Focus on the positives and learn from the challanges, become the better and stronger for it.