Military Deployment Preparation

Discover what to get ready before a deployment. Learn how to update emergency contacts, review benefits and make backup care plans. You will also learn how to keep legal, money and family care records in one safe place and share key details with people you trust.

Family readiness supports mission readiness. This short course helps military families prepare for deployments, activations and PCS moves by keeping legal documents, family care plans, child care arrangements and finances current before a crisis occurs.

You will learn how small steps throughout the year can help you stay ready. The course also points you to MilLife Learning, Military OneSource, military and family life counselors, and other trusted help. These services can lower stress, support your family and help you stay ready for duty.

Stay connected when it matters most. In this course, you’ll learn how to send an emergency message through the Red Cross Hero Care Network to notify your service member’s command during urgent family situations, such as a serious illness, death or the birth of a child.

The course explains when to send a message, what details to gather and how to send it by phone, online or with the Hero Care App. It also explains what happens next, so your family knows what to expect.