What To Do When Deployment Strikes...
By Bryan Amsel
Spring 2004
Deployment! It's a word that causes strong reactions in the hearts and minds of any of us in the military. With the current state of our world, deployments have become a more frequent part of military life whether you are active duty, Guard or Reserve. Of the many matters you will need to address before you deploy, managing your financial affairs while you are gone is one of the most important.
First, let's talk about married folks deploying. The key for you is to communicate. After you have overcome the emotions of spending holidays and birthdays apart, the two of you need to sit down together to discuss the best ways to manage the family's finances. If the service member usually manages the money, tell the spouse remaining at home when the bills must be paid, which bills are paid electronically, how much money you will need each month to cover your bills, how to balance your checking account and any other accounts, and how to gain access to your LES. If you have a written budget (and you should!), pull it out and go over it so both of you understand what must be done each month.
For single folks, you can do several things to make your money management easier while you deploy. First, turn off the things you will not need while you are gone. Tell your phone and cell phone companies that you are being deployed and you would like to have the service interrupted. Often, the company will discontinue the service and restart it with the same number when you return. It may charge a fee, but it will be less than the bill. If you rent your home, new changes to the Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allow active duty members to cancel their leases with 30 days' notice if they have deployment orders for at least 180 days. This eliminates the need to request a military termination clause in leases. Also, ask your auto insurance company for lower rates while you are deployed and that you will not be driving your car for several months. Once you have turned off what you can, set up any remaining payments to be completed electronically. Finally, find someone to check on your belongings from time to time to make certain everything is safe and sound.
All of us need to address certain items whether we are single or married. Go to the JAG office and get a will and a power of attorney. The will takes care of your estate if you don't come home, and the power of attorney allows someone else to handle things for you. It's a big mistake to procrastinate about making or updating a will. Maybe you think it costs too much, or you're having a hard time deciding how to leave your money, or maybe you have a normal aversion to thinking about your own mortality. But it's important to have a will because it guarantees that all of your property goes to those relatives, friends and organizations you care about most. Without a will, the state will decide for you what happens to your possessions.
One note of caution about a power of attorney: The person to whom you grant power of attorney has the legal right to act on your behalf even without your consent. So make sure you completely trust this person, such as your spouse or a parent. It's a good idea to limit the power of attorney to a specific period of time, such as one year, and to spell out exactly what the holder is authorized to do, such as payment of specific bills. Your local family services center can help you get your finances in order while you prepare for deployment.
One final note: You will earn extra money while you're gone. You may be eligible for combat pay, hazardous duty pay, family separation, per diem and other pays. All told, this could add $600 or more per month to your pay. If you are in a combat zone, all of your pay is tax-free. Be smart with this money. Use it to get out of debt or bolster your savings.
Deployments are a frequent part of military life, especially in today's environment. They are a time of awesome responsibility - and often substantial stress – that can impact us for the rest of our lives. With proper planning, the financial challenges that deployment may present don't need to add to that stress.
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Major Bryan Amsel is a member of the United States Air Force serving on active duty at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah. He is currently deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The opinions expressed in this article are not official and do not represent the policy of the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.
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Soldiers, Spouses Not Always Prepared For Emergencies
Soldier has up-to-date will:
- 1995, 67%
- 2001, 55%
Spouses has up-to-date will:
- 1995, 31%
- 2001, 26%
Source: Survey of Army Families (SAF) IV, 2001.
Related articles:
What To Do When You Receive Your PCS Orders: Tips for Military Families.
Military Family Deployment: How To Prepare, Cope And Recoup
Home Is Where The Military Sends You - Getting To Know Your New Military Town
Friendships In The Military
Military Family Relocation: Stay Positive And Proactive In Your New Community
Adapting To A New Community - Help from Military Relocation Offices
Military Family Finances: Surviving the Financial Stress of Deployment