News

Preparing for deployments include a family care plan

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Nicole Bonton
  • 14th Mission Support Squadron
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  If you are called up in the next 24 hours, do you have short- and long-term plans for your family's care? Who is going to pay the bills? What about unexpected repairs? Does your spouse know who to call and what rates are acceptable?

These are just some of the items people overlook in the rush of a deployment.

"In today's Air Force, deployments, temporary duty and overseas remote assignments are a normal and expected part of every Airman's job," says Master Sgt. Clark Herring, 14th Mission Support Group First Sergeant.

Despite prior knowledge, many Airmen fail to meet their family's needs during these circumstances because of poor planning. Most problems families face are preventable, either with the right form or with a detailed plan of action. These may include a family care plan, a power of attorney and a budget plan.

"If you don't have a viable family care plan developed, you are not ready to deploy," said Sergeant Herring. "Family and personal readiness means having a Family Care Plan in place and having your finances in order."

According to Air Force Instruction 36-2908, all Air Force members with families will have family care arrangements that reasonably cover all situations, both short and long term. This allows minor dependants a smooth transfer to a previously chosen caregiver or temporary guardian.

A written plan, documented on an Air Force Form 357, is only required for single parents, dual military couples with family members, and members with civilian spouses in unique family situations. However, it is highly recommended for anyone with a child to develop a plan.

There are several things to consider in developing a family care plan. First, people must delegate long- and short-term caregivers. Long-term caregivers are able to care for family members for the entire length of time the Air Force member is required to be absent from the family. Short-term caregivers are only responsible for family members during a specified timeframe when the long-term caregiver is not available.

In addition to caregivers, people must choose a temporary custodian for immediate relief in emergency situations such as death or incapacitation. In the case of death, the custodian is responsible for the children until the service member's will can be executed or a court can appoint a legal guardian when there is no will.

Both the temporary designee and the short-term caregiver must live in the local area to ensure immediate care of family members.

Designated caregivers need tools to provide proper care. One such tool is a power of attorney, which is the only legal aspect of the family care plan process. A general power of attorney allows someone to conduct business in another person's name, allows the caregiver access to medical care for children, enrollment in school and other activities in caring for the children.

Sergeant Herring recommends special over general powers of attorneys because general ones are not accepted by many businesses and differ for each state. Special powers of attorney are tailored for specific needs, such as a pending permanent change of station, a home purchase and childcare. Whether a spouse or a caregiver, a special power of attorney is a finance office requirement for anyone to conduct financial transactions and inquire about military pay records on another person's behalf. For further guidance, people can get free advice at the base legal office.

"Learn what you need before you leave," Sergeant Herring said. "For instance, ask your bank about special forms and make sure whoever is taking care of your bills has all the necessary paperwork."

He stressed the efficiency and ease of automatic bill paying.

Arrangements must also be made for caregivers to have access to adequate funds to support family members for immediate needs and increased allotments for future needs. A joint savings or checking account for this purpose is a possibility for travel for the caregiver or family members, home maintenance and relocation expenses.

This also requires examining the family budget, Master Sergeant Herring said. People should consider additional or decreased income due to the deployment or lost income from an additional job.

Caregivers must have access to the closest Base Exchange, commissary and clinic. They need to have the children's TRICARE information, school records and medical records.

Further logistical details such as special medical needs, favorite toys and foods, and directions to home, school and church should be incorporated into the plan. When the plan is executed, schools or other organizations must also be kept in the loop.

Although it is mandatory to annually review the Air Force Form 357, Sergeant Herring suggests frequently reviewing the actual suitability and workability of a service member's family care plan. For example, say the original designees listed are the service member's parents. If the member is deployed today, are those parents still capable of fulfilling the duty?

The service member really needs to be involved in this planning phase, Sergeant Herring said. It isn't just simply filling out paperwork and checking a block.

"Don't pencil whip it, and if you try and do the paperwork necessary for a care plan on the mobility line, you are foolish. The legal folks are going to ask questions you aren't going to think about beforehand," Sergeant Herring said. "You owe it to your spouse and children to put a lot of consideration into (the plan) and do it with care."

People who want help with family care responsibilities should visit their First Sergeant, Airman and Family Readiness Center, and/or the Customer Service Section within the MPE.