The Ultimate Military Deployment Checklist

Preparing for deployment brings a mix of emotions—excitement for the mission ahead and concerns about everything you need to handle first. Starting preparation early is the key to keeping this process as stable as possible. That’s why we’ve prepared a guide to help you navigate deployment.

Here’s what’s included in this pre-deployment checklist: 

1. Getting your personal and legal documents in order 
2. Setting up your finances for peace of mind 
3. Reviewing your medical care 
4. Making your family and home arrangements 
5. Preparing your personal items 
6. Planning for emergencies and securing important documents

A good deployment checklist does more than keep you organized—it can give you peace of mind. When you see everything laid out, your to-do lists become more manageable tasks you can tackle one by one. You can more easily stay on top of all the important details while managing work, family and prep time. Plus, having everything documented means your family knows the plan, too.

You already know how to plan and execute—now you can put those skills to work getting you deployment ready.

1. Getting your personal and legal documents in order

Getting your paperwork in order is your first line of defense against deployment delays. Think of it as building your toolkit—you want everything ready before you need it. Start gathering these documents at least 60 days out. Make multiple copies of everything, keep originals in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box and give copies to your spouse or a trusted family member.

• Check that your military ID is current and won’t expire while you’re deployed. Do the same for your family’s dependent IDs. This way, they can access base services while you’re away.
• Make sure your passport is good for at least 6 months beyond when you’ll return. Many countries need this extra time for entry.
• Work with the legal office on base to set up power of attorney papers, both general and specific. Book these appointments early since they fill up fast.
• Update your will to reflect any recent life changes. Make sure your spouse knows where to find these important papers.
• Get certified copies of birth certificates for you and all family members. Get your marriage certificate as well, if you’re married.
• Put together insurance policies and contact info for all your coverage. Include life, auto and home or renter’s insurance.
• Make a complete emergency contact list with multiple phone numbers for each person. Include both military and civilian contacts.
• Organize copies of Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations and titles. Keep them in your deployment folder.
• Get a summary of medical records for each family member. Include shot records and current prescriptions.
• Save digital copies of all documents in the cloud. This way, you can access them if needed during deployment.

2. Setting up your finances for peace of mind

Your finances need to run smoothly while you’re deployed. This means setting up systems that work on their own. It also means giving your family clear access to what they need. Start this process early as some changes take time to go through banks and military pay systems.

• Notify financial institutions and creditors so they’re aware of your deployment.
• Set up online and mobile banking for all accounts. Test everything to make sure it works properly before you deploy.
• Add your spouse or family members to necessary accounts to help them handle finances while you’re gone.
• Update who gets your money if something happens to you. Do this for all bank accounts, life insurance, TSP and investment accounts.
• Set up automatic payments for utilities, car payments, insurance and other regular bills. This keeps everything current without extra work for your family.
• Look into deployment money benefits like the Savings Deposit Program. It gives you 10% interest each year on money saved during deployment.
• Build up your emergency fund if you can. Having extra money set aside gives everyone peace of mind.
• Put important financial papers where your family can easily find them. Include contact info for your banks, too.
• Check your insurance coverage to ensure your family has enough protection while you’re deployed.
• Arrange to have your taxes filed while you’re deployed. Keep all tax documents organized and accessible in the cloud.
• Notify joint account holders of your deployment so they can adjust.

3. Reviewing your medical care

Getting your health squared away before deployment can help keep you ready for whatever issues come your way. Start with the required medical items, then focus on practical things that’ll make deployment easier for you and your family.

• Get all required shots according to your unit’s deployment health requirements. Start early since some shots need multiple doses over several weeks.
• Complete dental clearance and handle any needed dental work well before your deployment date.
• Look into Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) enrollment for family members. This helps ensure they have access to TRICARE health benefits.
• Get an eye exam and spare glasses or contacts. Make sure your prescription is current. Get backup eyewear, too.
• Fill 90-day supplies of all prescription medicines you take regularly. This gives you a good buffer for the start of deployment.
• Stock up on personal over-the-counter medicines you might need. Include pain relievers, allergy meds or anything specific to your health needs.
• Set up medical information and emergency contacts for your family. Make sure they know how to refill prescriptions and access healthcare while you’re deployed.
• Review your family’s health insurance coverage and military benefits. Understand any changes that might happen with your deployment status.
• Schedule any needed specialist appointments or routine check-ups for family members before you deploy.

4. Making your family and home arrangements

Taking care of your family and home setup gives everyone confidence while you’re away. Focus on creating systems that help your family keep their routines. Also, make sure your home stays secure and well-maintained.

• Set up a Family Care Plan to outline who will take care of your dependents while you’re deployed.
• Document complete childcare plans, including main care and backup options. This helps when your spouse needs extra support. Coordinate school pickup arrangements and emergency contacts.
• Establish eldercare or special needs care for family members who need ongoing support. Make sure all caregivers have the necessary papers and emergency contacts.
• Set up home maintenance and yard care services. Schedule regular lawn care, snow removal or seasonal maintenance. This helps keep your property in good shape.
• Set up mail forwarding with USPS at least 2 weeks before deployment. Include package delivery management, if needed.
• If you’re moving as part of a PCS, enlist the help of military relocation professionals (MRPs) to make the transition easier.
• Understand your entitlements and what they cover. Use this information to help plan out your budget. 
• Give spare keys to trusted neighbors, friends or family members. They can check on your home and handle any emergencies.
• Make a complete home repair contact list for your family. Include electrician, plumber, HVAC tech and other essential service providers. Add their phone numbers, too.
• Install or update home security like alarm systems, security cameras or smart doorbells. This helps you monitor your property from far away.
• Plan your communication schedule and test all technology. Include video calling apps, messaging platforms and backup communication methods.
• Set up pet care services if needed. Include regular care, emergency vet contacts and backup caregivers. This covers you if main arrangements fall through.

5. Preparing your personal items

Packing smart means bringing what you need without overpacking. Focus on essentials first. Then, add comfort items that’ll help you feel at home wherever you’re stationed. Remember that you can often buy basic items after you arrive.

• Pack essential toiletries and hygiene items in travel-sized containers when possible. This saves space and weight.
• Organize all prescription and over-the-counter medicines in clearly labeled containers. Make sure you have enough to last through the start of deployment.
• Pick climate-appropriate clothing and shoes based on your deployment location’s weather patterns. Include both work and off-duty clothes.
• Pack all necessary electronics and chargers for phones, tablets, laptops and other devices. You’ll need these to stay connected.
• Include a portable power bank or backup battery. Use these for areas where electricity might be unreliable or during extended field operations.
• Choose meaningful comfort items from home like photos, small mementos or personal items. These can provide emotional support during tough times.
• Pack entertainment items like books, e-readers, tablets with downloaded content or portable games. They’ll help fill downtime!
• Include personal hobby supplies that travel well. These can provide stress relief and enjoyment during off-duty hours.

6. Planning for emergencies and securing important documents

Having a solid emergency plan gives you and your family confidence to handle unexpected situations. The key is setting up clear communication channels. Make sure everyone knows what to do if plans need to change.

• Make a family emergency contact hierarchy that tells your family who to call first, second and third if they can’t reach you. Include both military and personal contacts.
• Set up multiple communication methods beyond your regular phone and email. Test different platforms since various methods work better in different locations around the world.
• Leave a copy of deployment orders with a trusted contact. This will help keep them in the loop as you navigate your new station.
• Connect your family with your unit’s Family Readiness Group. Make sure they understand what services are available through Military OneSource’s Family Life Counselors and chaplains.
• Set up emergency financial access procedures. Your family needs to know how to access emergency funds and who to contact for urgent financial needs during deployment.
• Give your family Red Cross emergency contact information and procedures for reaching you through official military channels. Use this for family emergencies.
• Create a backup communication schedule that accounts for time zone differences and varying availability. Make sure your family knows when to expect contact.
• Share important phone numbers and contact information in multiple formats. Program them in phones, write them down and save them digitally.
• Review family emergency procedures and scenarios with your spouse. Include what to do for medical emergencies, home emergencies and other unexpected situations.

Navy Federal Credit Union is your deployment preparation partner

Navy Federal understands military life and the unique financial needs of deployed Servicemembers. Our deployment resources can help you manage your finances while you’re away, and our member services team is available 24/7 to assist with any questions or concerns. You can take advantage of our mobile and online banking tools to stay connected to your accounts from anywhere in the world. 

For more deployment preparation resources, check out our guide on preparing your finances for deployment and our comprehensive deployment resource center. We’re here to support you and your family every step of the deployment cycle.