Create a Deployment Binder
Deployment is looming and it seems like there are endless preparations. While you are taking care of the practical stuff (bills and wills, POAs, and communicating expectations), now is a great time to pull together a deployment binder.
This is where you’ll keep all of your passwords and account numbers, emergency contacts, and important documents. More on that later.
Why do you need a deployment binder? Well, you don’t. In fact, I’ve made it through a number of underways, deployments, and TADs without one. But if I’d had one during those times, I probably would have been more prepared when Murphy’s Law kicked in.
There really are no rules to making your deployment binder. You can choose to design pages on the computer and print them out, or you can use colorful markers like these to create pages yourself. Use what makes you happy–stickers, watercolors, or even scrapbook accessories.
This binder is going to be your best friend for the next several months, so try to make it as approachable, creative, and organized as possible.
As for the information, you should be include at least the following pages:
Basic Deployment Information
Discuss any port dates, homecoming dates, and other significant travel with your spouse. Remember, this information is for your binder ONLY, not for the internet. Do not post photos of your binder that could potentially share sensitive information to social media. Remember Operational Security (OPSEC) and Personal Security (PERSEC).
Contact Information
Make sure that you have your spouse’s email address, and also one or two other contacts from your spouse’s department. If your spouse will have access to a phone, write that number down, too.
Have the phone numbers and email addresses for any ombudsmen or key spouses who can contact the command on your behalf if necessary.
If you don’t already have contact information for your spouse’s side of the family, now would be a great time to write it down.
Finally, find the number and website for the Red Cross Emergency Communications service. Hopefully you will never need this, but emergencies happen. It’s best to be prepared. In the event of a serious illness or death in the family, the Red Cross will be required to verify the details and send a message to your spouse’s command in order to grant them leave to come home. (Psst…they have an app, too.)
“But, Steph, why would I write all of this down when I can just save it in the contacts in my phone?”
Because technology fails. Or you drop your phone in the toilet. Or your toddler throws it off the second floor landing and shatters the screen into a million pieces. You get the point–write it down.
Bills and Due Dates
Even if you have auto-pay set up for bills, it’s a good idea to know exactly which bills you have and when they are due. Sometimes payments don’t go through, and you are responsible. Plus, having your bills listed in one place gives you a visual so you know exactly how much “play” money you have for the rest of the month. Eating out, shopping, and recreation add up!
On that note, you might consider speaking with a financial counselor before your spouse deploys to discuss your financial plan and budget. (Military OneSource offers this for free!)
To expand on your knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, and more, be sure to check out the FREE Financial Readiness course, presented by JPMorgan Chase & Co., in our Mentorship-HUB.
Account Passwords
Imagine this: You’re three days into the deployment. You just put your kids to sleep after fighting with them for an hour to lay down. You’re preparing yourself for a good wallow in bed, snuggling up with a pint of mint chocolate chip ice cream, and turn on the TV…only to realize you are locked out of Netflix. Not good.
Be sure to write down the account usernames and passwords for all of your shared accounts, as well as personal accounts (social media, etc.).
Remember to include passwords for billing accounts as well, like your bank, cable & internet, and phone provider. If your spouse is the primary contact for these accounts, they’ll need to list you as an authorized contact on the account as well to handle any issues with billing and services.
Which brings us to the last basic page(s) you’ll need for your deployment binder…
Important Documentation
Keep copies of your Power of Attorney, Advance Directive, and other important documents where you can easily access them. If you’re in the midst of a PCS during deployment, also have copies of your spouse’s orders and Secondary Dependency Application that you’ll need if you plan to apply for base housing.
Here are some other fun ideas to add to your deployment binder:
Scrapbook pages
A visual countdown
Deployment bucket list
Meal plans or recipes to try
The possibilities are endless!
Need support for an upcoming deployment? We have mentors ready to help you 24/7 in the Mentorship-HUB!
Stephanie Allen is the Communications & Marketing Director for the Military Spouse Advocacy Network. She is a proud Navy wife and mom, a writer, blogger, success coach, and the Content Manager & columnist for Tidewater Family Plus magazine.
