thedrifter
07-20-05, 06:11 AM
Checklist for Marines deploying forward
Marine Forces Pacific
Story by Pfc. J. Ethan Hoaldridge
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii (July 19, 2005) -- War: A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states, or parties. Marines, soldiers, Sailors and airman alike are continuously, fervently preparing for just that. No matter what rank, occupation or billet a servicemember holds, they must be ready when their number is called to deploy forward.
For the Marine Corps, being a force in readiness entails being geared up and all set to deploy all over the world at a moment’s notice, but there’s a to-do list and boxes to check off for things to go smoothly.
Physically, mentally and financially, a Marine needs to be primed for deployment. That means telling the family, preparing gear and putting belongings in storage when orders for deployment are received.
It’s a delicate matter when a Marine has to tell his family he’s shipping out.
“Don’t tell your family you’re deploying unless it’s a sure thing,” said Sgt. Robert Campbell, MARFORPAC grounds safety non-commissioned officer. “It just causes unneeded stress for the family. My mom is the worrying type, trust me.”
“Tell your family as little as they need to know, but give them plenty of reassurance that you’re ok, and everything is all right,” he said.
Campbell has been deployed three times, having just returned from Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and has a handle on prepping for shipping out. After informing the family and friends and dealing with their emotions, Marines must prepare themselves mentally.
“A lot of Marines on their first deployment are worried about leaving their family behind, and have a fear of the unknown, not knowing what to expect,” explained Campbell.
This is especially true in places such as Iraq or Afghanistan, because of the clear danger, drastic change in culture and the length of time they’ll be gone.
“Every deployment you hit a lag about half way through, and you ask yourself, ‘Why am I here,’” said Campbell. “You have to find what keeps you motivated.”
Physical fitness is just as important if not more than mental readiness.
“The Corps takes care of that,” claimed Campbell, and that’s true for most Marines. Some Marines have to independently physically train.
“While in the field, a full combat load is around 60 pounds,” said Campbell.
So unless carrying the weight of a fourth grader on their shoulders is an everyday thing, Marines must train for all the different working conditions faced in combat, whether that be carrying an injured leatherneck to safety or replacing a track on an Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.
Even during a tour in Iraq there will be some free time, so before departing there are some things other than combat gear that Marines could pack.
“There was some down time in Afghanistan, so bring anything that plays DVDs, a camera and letter-writing gear,” suggested Campbell. “Writing to your family back home means a lot to them while your gone.”
Another necessity to bring would be extra hygiene gear, for those extended periods in the field.
After preparing mentally and physically, packing the necessary gear and personal items, Marines need to tie up loose ends before they leave.
Marines living in the barracks need to store their belongings with supply, and also make sure that incoming bills are either paid in advance or postponed until their return.
Giving the power of attorney to a close family member or friend is important just in case something happens, and your funds need to be accessed, suggested Campbell.
The process for married Marines with children is exponentially longer. Marine Corps Community Services has resources available for servicemembers to inquire about how to prepare their families for deployment.
If Marines choose to contact MCCS, the consultant will provide, via phone, e-mail and mail, a broad checklist of things that need to be taken care of pre-deployment and a suggested plan for finances. The list deals with informing your family of:
· Paychecks and financial readiness (Power of Attorney)
· Bills, Taxes
· Insurance Matters (Life, House, Auto)
· Transportation (Does she know how to change the oil)
· Child Care, and custody
· Medical Preparation
This list may be vast, but all are necessary.
What if your spouse doesn’t know when the oil change was last done on the car, or they don’t have access to the emergency funds account?
The spouse could possibly get stuck on the side of the road with an overheated engine and no means to pay for a tow truck.
Situations like this may not always be avoided, but you can prepare to make them easier to deal with. Marines prepare for deployments by training. The same preparation should be done to ensure their family is ready.
Ellie
Marine Forces Pacific
Story by Pfc. J. Ethan Hoaldridge
U.S. MARINE CORPS FORCES PACIFIC, CAMP H. M. SMITH, Hawaii (July 19, 2005) -- War: A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states, or parties. Marines, soldiers, Sailors and airman alike are continuously, fervently preparing for just that. No matter what rank, occupation or billet a servicemember holds, they must be ready when their number is called to deploy forward.
For the Marine Corps, being a force in readiness entails being geared up and all set to deploy all over the world at a moment’s notice, but there’s a to-do list and boxes to check off for things to go smoothly.
Physically, mentally and financially, a Marine needs to be primed for deployment. That means telling the family, preparing gear and putting belongings in storage when orders for deployment are received.
It’s a delicate matter when a Marine has to tell his family he’s shipping out.
“Don’t tell your family you’re deploying unless it’s a sure thing,” said Sgt. Robert Campbell, MARFORPAC grounds safety non-commissioned officer. “It just causes unneeded stress for the family. My mom is the worrying type, trust me.”
“Tell your family as little as they need to know, but give them plenty of reassurance that you’re ok, and everything is all right,” he said.
Campbell has been deployed three times, having just returned from Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and has a handle on prepping for shipping out. After informing the family and friends and dealing with their emotions, Marines must prepare themselves mentally.
“A lot of Marines on their first deployment are worried about leaving their family behind, and have a fear of the unknown, not knowing what to expect,” explained Campbell.
This is especially true in places such as Iraq or Afghanistan, because of the clear danger, drastic change in culture and the length of time they’ll be gone.
“Every deployment you hit a lag about half way through, and you ask yourself, ‘Why am I here,’” said Campbell. “You have to find what keeps you motivated.”
Physical fitness is just as important if not more than mental readiness.
“The Corps takes care of that,” claimed Campbell, and that’s true for most Marines. Some Marines have to independently physically train.
“While in the field, a full combat load is around 60 pounds,” said Campbell.
So unless carrying the weight of a fourth grader on their shoulders is an everyday thing, Marines must train for all the different working conditions faced in combat, whether that be carrying an injured leatherneck to safety or replacing a track on an Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle.
Even during a tour in Iraq there will be some free time, so before departing there are some things other than combat gear that Marines could pack.
“There was some down time in Afghanistan, so bring anything that plays DVDs, a camera and letter-writing gear,” suggested Campbell. “Writing to your family back home means a lot to them while your gone.”
Another necessity to bring would be extra hygiene gear, for those extended periods in the field.
After preparing mentally and physically, packing the necessary gear and personal items, Marines need to tie up loose ends before they leave.
Marines living in the barracks need to store their belongings with supply, and also make sure that incoming bills are either paid in advance or postponed until their return.
Giving the power of attorney to a close family member or friend is important just in case something happens, and your funds need to be accessed, suggested Campbell.
The process for married Marines with children is exponentially longer. Marine Corps Community Services has resources available for servicemembers to inquire about how to prepare their families for deployment.
If Marines choose to contact MCCS, the consultant will provide, via phone, e-mail and mail, a broad checklist of things that need to be taken care of pre-deployment and a suggested plan for finances. The list deals with informing your family of:
· Paychecks and financial readiness (Power of Attorney)
· Bills, Taxes
· Insurance Matters (Life, House, Auto)
· Transportation (Does she know how to change the oil)
· Child Care, and custody
· Medical Preparation
This list may be vast, but all are necessary.
What if your spouse doesn’t know when the oil change was last done on the car, or they don’t have access to the emergency funds account?
The spouse could possibly get stuck on the side of the road with an overheated engine and no means to pay for a tow truck.
Situations like this may not always be avoided, but you can prepare to make them easier to deal with. Marines prepare for deployments by training. The same preparation should be done to ensure their family is ready.
Ellie