As a military family, the call for a short-notice deployment can be both unexpected and challenging. Amidst the urgency, you need to be strategic and smart about what to prepare and how to prepare. Truth be told, we’re all learning all the time, and some deployments may be a lot easier to organize than others! But the key is to never approach deployment unprepared. Even when you are settled in a specific place, there are always chances of having to move elsewhere. And this is precisely why being mentally prepared for it will make a great deal of difference in how you approach the situation.
How do you manage a short-notice deployment situation?
Packing essentials vs. shipping
When faced with a short-notice deployment, you will need to learn to pack and to pack fast. But the important aspect of packing is that you don’t need to pack everything the same way. Focus on gathering your essential items, aka. Everything you will need immediately at your destination.
This typically includes a range of weather-relevant clothing, toiletries, important medications, and all crucial documents.
You can consider shipping all non-essential items or storing them with trusted friends or family if the deployment is only for a short period. This will minimize packing stress while ensuring that you can hit the ground running upon arrival.
Buying bulk
This may seem counterproductive, but settling in can take some time in a new destination. So, if you want to mitigate potential challenges, it’s a good idea to buy some items in bulk before deployment. Focus on non-perishable goods, hygiene products, and household essentials, which can be purchased safely in larger quantities, so you can opt for bringing several boxes of period pads or you can buy vapes bulk, for example. This way, you’ll have a stockpile of necessities, which reduces the immediate need to locate and purchase these items when you arrive.
Documenting memories and important papers
In the chaos of preparing for deployment, it’s crucial not to overlook the significance of preserving memories and safeguarding important documents wherever you are. There are significant risks to bringing physical documents with you, so one of the key preparation elements for deployment is to use cloud storage for digital copies of all paperwork, medical records, and insurance documents.
You can certainly add sentimental photographs to the cloud too. This precautionary measure will ensure that you don’t have to worry about losing paperwork during the move.
Communication strategy
You want to establish a communication plan with your close friends and family. This is vital during a short-notice deployment as they can be a great source of support. Even if you are far away, there is nothing stopping you from setting up regular check-ins with loved ones through video calls and messaging apps, so you can stay in touch even if you are moving to a new location.
You may also need to discuss communication expectations during deployment, especially if your family is deployed in a different time zone or as operational constraints.
Navigating a short-notice deployment as a military family requires a combination of strategic planning and resilience, But, like with everything, the more frequently your family gets deployed, the easier it gets and soon you’ll be ready to move in no time.