Preparing for an upcoming military deployment can be stressful. Getting ready to leave can cause a range of emotions and anxiety about the military, especially if you haven’t done it before. Whether you’re being deployed for the first time, or the 15th, having a solid plan means a smoother transition when you leave so you can return to life at home with minimal issues.
Our comprehensive pre-deployment checklist covers everything you need to know and do before you leave. Following our suggestions will substantially reduce your stress so you can focus on your job.
Read on to learn how to prepare for deployment. We’re covering important issues like health matters, finances, emotional well-being, and personal affairs. Feeling ready to go helps ease anxiety and makes leaving on deployment more manageable.
1. Health and Medical Preparations
One of your top pre-deployment concerns should be your physical and mental health. Start with a complete medical check-up to address any health issues to help prepare for your military service.
Other health-related things to be aware of include:
- Vaccinations: The government mandates vaccinations before deployment to protect you from certain diseases, infections, or biological warfare attacks.
- Medications and supplies: Think about prescribed medications or essential healthcare items you might need during your deployment. Check expiration dates and ensure you have enough over-the-counter (OTC) medications, like aspirin or allergy meds.
- Mental health considerations: Mental health concerns continue to rise for military service men and women. New research found that mental health is the largest cause of hospital stays and the second highest cause of medical encounters for active service members, which is why completing evaluations and finding proper care is essential before your military service.
If you’re struggling with your mental health, the time to seek help is before you leave. Consider making an appointment with a therapist to discuss your mental health concerns and explore the benefits of therapy.
2. Legal Preparations
Going over legal documents and getting your affairs in order can provide peace of mind while you’re gone. Update important papers, keep them organized and accessible, and let your family or loved ones know how to access your accounts and information. Reviewing certain documents ensures your wishes will be honored and that designated people can make decisions for you if necessary.
Legal preparations or documents to take care of include:
- Will or Trust: Create or update your Will or Trust to reflect any recent changes in dependents, assets, or beneficiaries.
- Power of Attorney (POA): POAs let you appoint someone you trust to make financial, business, or healthcare decisions if you can’t do so on your own.
- Military orders: Give your spouse, partner, or family members a copy of your deployment orders so they know where you’ll be and how long you’ll be gone. This will help them assist in any emergencies. Your orders will also have important contact details.
- Legal documentation: If traveling abroad, double-check that your passport is valid and ask if you need a visa. Store these and all other documents in a secure location and leave copies with family or a trusted friend. This step will save you from potential legal complications during your deployment.
3. Financial Planning
The financial aspects of deployment can be incredibly stressful if you don’t prepare in advance. By planning ahead, you can avoid some common pitfalls many service members face — like missing or late payments.
Stay on top of your finances by:
- Creating a budget
- Setting up auto payments for bills
- Giving someone you trust full access to financial resources
- Setting up direct deposit
- Establishing an emergency fund for unexpected expenses
4. Family and Personal Affairs
Knowing you still have family and personal responsibilities even when you’re far away can be difficult. Discuss now who will manage emergencies or issues that might come up in your absence, and don’t overlook smaller tasks that could quickly escalate into major issues. If you have a military spouse or family back home, ensuring they have the support and resources they need can help ease the burden while you’re away.
Think about issues like:
- Childcare or eldercare
- Pet care
- Communication plans
5. Gear and Equipment
Check — and then double-check — you have all the gear and equipment you’ll need. Your uniform, protective gear, and other essentials should be ready and in good condition.
Verify the following are up-to-date, working, and meet the standards in your orders:
- Laptop
- Phone
- Protective gear
- Tablet
- Chargers
- Adapters
- Backup batteries
6. Communication and Staying Connected
During deployment, staying connected with loved ones is essential for mental and emotional well-being…both yours and theirs. Set up a communication plan that outlines the basics, like how often you’ll connect and what methods you’ll use to stay in touch. Creating this support group check-in plan can significantly ease deployment challenges by creating a comfortable environment while you’re abroad.
Stay connected with loved ones during deployment with these meaningful options:
- Phone calls: Set up an international calling plan so you can check in anytime.
- Video chats: Stay face-to-face with family through WhatsApp, Zoom, or other apps.
- Email: Use secure or encrypted platforms to share updates safely.
- Letters: Handwritten notes from home can be a heartfelt boost.
- Care packages: A thoughtful package filled with favorite snacks or personal items can bring comfort and connection from miles away.
“It is crucial to maintain regular communication with family and loved ones in order to have a support system during active duty which will help in sustaining your mental health.”
7. Mental and Emotional Well-Being Preparation
Recent research suggests that less than 20% of active-duty service members seek help for psychological health concerns. Being deployed is physically and emotionally taxing, and the results — often post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — can be long-term. One study found that veterans can have significant mental health concerns up to 4 decades after exposure to combat.
“Deployment is one of the most stressful sides of military life for service members and their families. Research shows that deployment can lead to poorer mental health for military personnel and their families including behavioral health issues in children, higher divorce rates for couples, and higher risk of suicide.”
Preparing in advance will help mitigate the risk of military PTSD and improve resilience so you have a strong support system and coping tools when you return.
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to see a therapist. In pre-deployment therapy, you’ll learn coping skills to help you deal with military stress and the impact of combat or other parts of deployment. Online platforms like Talkspace make therapy convenient, affordable, and effective, which can be especially beneficial when you have a long list of things to handle before you leave. Talkspace offers flexible therapy options tailored to service members and veterans, all from the comfort of home, so you can leave knowing you’re emotionally supported throughout your deployment.
8. Cultural Awareness and Training for Deployment
Learning about the cultural norms in the region you’re being deployed to is crucial for building positive relationships, adapting, and fostering respect. You might even have mandatory cultural sensitivity or language training before you go.
Additionally, you can:
- Research local customs
- Be aware of safety protocols
- Learn about potential hazards
9. Packing Checklist
Having a pre-deployment checklist helps ensure you don’t forget anything. When packing, organize your bags so you can quickly access any important items you might need — like your ID, emergency contacts, and travel documents.
Be sure to pack the following:
- Documents: Your military orders, passport, visas, and medical records should be packed in a secure, easy-to-access location.
- Clothing: Bring your uniforms, weather-appropriate clothing, and comfortable footwear — check that all items meet regulations.
- Medical supplies: Don’t forget your prescriptions, a first-aid kit, and hygiene products.
- Comfort items: You might want photos, books, cards, or other personal items to help you manage homesickness and keep a positive mindset.
10. Final Checklist
Before you leave, review this checklist—more than once—to ensure you’ve made all the necessary preparations and haven’t overlooked anything.
Confirm the following:
- All medical and dental appointments are up-to-date and won’t be needed during your time away.
- Your legal documents are signed and accessible; someone knows where they are.
- You’ve created and gone over a communication plan with family members.
- Financial arrangements, like automatic payments, are set up.
Staying Mentally Strong During Deployment with Talkspace
Being deployed is demanding — physically, emotionally, and mentally — but with the right pre-deployment tools and support, you can maintain your mental health before, during, and after being deployed.
Talkspace offers online therapy for veterans and active-duty service members, making it easier to connect with licensed, experienced mental health professionals when and where it’s convenient. Whether you have anxiety, you’re feeling depressed about leaving, or you’re finding it difficult to adjust once you’re back, Talkspace provides ongoing, confidential support that will help you through it.
Plus, Talkspace online therapy is covered by TRICARE and other insurance plans, making therapy more accessible and affordable for service members. Check your TRICARE coverage and get support today.