1. UNCLASSIFIED
Information to share with Soldiers and their Families in conjunction with the Army video “Taking Care of Business”

2. Planning for the worst…
What this is about…
Having that hard conversation with those you care about and those who care about you.
Planning for the worst…
Estate Planning
Disability Planning
Why…
Our Wounded Soldiers and their Families let us know!
To ease the burden on Families, we must be proactive and plan ahead
The survivors of our Fallen Warriors let us know!
Feedback from survivors told us advance planning and understanding a little about the process will help during the “fog” that sets in after a tragic loss.
The “Taking Care of Business” video…
A broad outline of key issues military Families need to discuss before deployment and periodically.
A reference tool to outline your own Family Readiness Plan.
Soldiers…
We have volunteered to be part of a profession where our mission to protect our nation and the ideals it represents could lead to the ultimate sacrifice. We know this fact and openly accept it.
Our calling to protect our nation often translates to a desire to protect our Families and our loved ones from fear and heartache.
In trying to protect our loved ones, we sometimes avoid the “hard” conversations that we need to have to ensure that they are truly protected if we become disabled or if we are killed in either a peacetime accident or a combat operation.
This briefing, and the video you are about to watch, are designed to help encourage the conversations you need to have with your Families, the decisions you need to make as a Family, and the actions you need to take to ensure your plans are followed if the unexpected happens.
1/11/2019

3. Spouses (married or pending a divorce) Children (minors and adult)
Like most families, an Army Family is defined in many different ways. It includes…
Spouses (married or pending a divorce)
Children (minors and adult)
Parents (married or divorced)
Siblings (including half, step, or adopted)
Single parents (with or without physical custody)
Dual-military couples
A Soldier who is also a long-term care provider for a Wounded Warrior Soldier
Each Soldier must consider all circumstances and the full range of people who are important in life and may have a key role in case of emergency
Like the rest of America, an Army Family is defined in many different ways…
A married Soldier with or without children
A married Soldier pending a divorce or is legally separated (with or w/out children)
A single Soldier with married or divorced parents
A single Soldier who is a parent (with or without physical custody)
A dual-military couple with or without children or parents
A dual-military couple where one Soldier because a Wounded Warrior who requires treatment or long-term care
Any Soldier with custody over someone else – a parent or child(ren)
Any Soldier and the comrades and friends in and out of his unit
Any Soldier (married or single) with parents
Family Readiness Planning should include everyone who may have a part in making a decision in the event something happens to you.
1/11/2019

4. Preparing for the unexpected starts at home at any time.
Critical topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
The DD Form 93, Record of Emergency Data, identifies Death Gratuity and Unpaid Pay beneficiaries as well as the Person Authorized to Direct Disposition (PADD) of your remains
Contact information for Primary and Secondary Next of Kin
Wills and Trusts
Powers of Attorney (General, Special, Specific, Durable, “Springing”)
Family Care Plans and guardianship of minors
Key information for: Bank accounts, rental/mortgage papers, credit card and utility bills, as well as the location of important documents (birth certificates, marriage certificate, passports, etc.)
Rear Detachment Support and Family Readiness Group POCs
Available services and resources: before, during, and after deployment
Each Soldier, regardless of marital status can ease a significant burden on their Primary and Secondary Next of Kin if they take the time to draft a will, assign specific POAs for the various issues, especially medical. A “Springing” POA will ‘spring’ into effect when a specific trigger is activated and a decision must be enacted.
Married Soldiers that do NOT assign their spouse a their PADD or assign a different value from 100% of their Death Gratuity MUST have this conversation with their spouse prior to deployment and, in general, at anytime they make this choice. Failure to share this information with their spouse will cause significant emotional and even legal issues for the Soldier’s loved ones.
1/11/2019

5. Personal Readiness Resources…
Unit Leadership – Rear Detachment and Family Readiness Groups
Military One Source
My Army Benefits
The Military Health System - Tricare
The Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command (FMWRC)
The Army Deployment Cycle Support (DCS) Checklist (DA Form 7631)
These resources help you and your loved ones, before, during, and after a deployment. They do not, however, replace that hard conversation needed between you, the Soldier, and everyone who is part of your life.
1/11/2019

6. Critical Steps for effective communication with our Families…
Talk about what actions your Family member may expect in case you are wounded, ill, or injured.
Phone calls from the Army and the details they may/may not provide
Potential steps to bring a Family member to bedside (OCONUS or CONUS)
Talk about what actions a Family member may expect in the case of your death.
Role of Casualty Notification Officer (CNO)
Role of Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO)
Who you have chosen as the person to direct disposition of your remains (PADD) and what the PADD’s responsibilities encompass
Ensure spouses and parents are aware of your intentions—this will reduce confusion, disappointment, and unnecessary conflict.
Families must understand there are a variety of resources available, should they need them.
1/11/2019

7. Deployment is tough…we are forced to have those hard conversations.
We must…
Address the concerns covered in this brief; don’t avoid these topics.
Make important planning decisions early to minimize your Family’s potential pain or anguish.
Communicate, discuss, take action—three steps towards building a plan that will ensure your Family’s goals are met.
Have the moral courage to make it happen!
1/11/2019