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Operational Security, or OPSEC, is the practice of protecting information about your military member in order to keep him and his fellow military members safe. With email, Facebook, Twitter and dozens of other forms of social media and instant communication, safeguarding information about deployments, troop movements, troop locations and other sensitive information is paramount.
Hitting the “Send” or “Post” button could ultimately endanger your child or spouse along with their fellow soldiers. See More
OPSEC or Operational Security evokes thoughts of the cliché posters during World War II reminding everyone to keep troop movements a secret and not let the enemy win. However, Operational Security is just as important today and in many ways is a lot easier to violate. Social media encourages and enables individuals to turn what’s happening in their everyday lives into personal news stories.
It is easy for many adults to think that their status updates are just on Facebook and won’t get anyone in trouble. However, social media and other open sources are how a lot of foreign intelligence is gathered that can put our troops in harms way.
One of the most difficult parts of being a military parent is explaining OPSEC to children in a non-threatening way. How can you explain to a generation that is encouraged to post every last moment of their lives online that they need to be careful not to give “the enemy” too much information? See More
This is the second piece in a two-part series on Power of Attorney. (see part 1)
Now that you know the basics about receiving Power of Attorney from a service member, it’s time to learn what responsibilities come with being an attorney-in-fact, or agent, when your service member deploys. Here’s a look at the most important matters that agents often handle. See More
This is the first of a two-part series on Power of Attorney (see part 2)
Service members facing a likelihood of deployment overseas should get to know the concept of Power of Attorney, or POA, which gives loved ones and other trusted friends the ability to enter into and execute legally binding contracts and handle other important needs in your stead.
POA is essential for family members to perform several tasks. But first service members and their families need to have an idea of how giving and receiving power of attorney works. See More
For military members, buying life insurance isn’t the only way to guarantee their family’s financial survival. By choosing to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), you can ensure that your family maintains a stable source of income.
Typically, the death of a military member would mean that military retirement pay ceases, which can leave families struggling to maintain. But by participating in the SBP, beneficiaries retain their financial security and may be able to avoid a hefty life insurance premium. See More
Months or years of training leave most service members feeling prepared for the work aspects of deployment, but preparing your family and your children for the changes that come with losing a member of the family for an extended period of time is incredibly difficult.
One of the most difficult issues leading up to deployment when you have children is trying to truthfully explain what is going on and what you’re doing without scaring them or adding additional stress. The process of talking to your children about deployment and how much you tell your children depends largely on their age and maturity level.
We put these tips together for you to use when deciding how to talk to your children about deployments. See More
Leaving your child or dependent mother alone for the entire duration of your deployment is the most difficult part of military life for many military families. Completing a military family care plan guarantees that your loved ones are safe and looked after while you’re away and can ease some of these anxieties.
Who needs to have a family care plan?
Family care plans are for active duty service members and their families only. Single parents with children who are 18 and younger and dual military couples must fill out a plan.
Service members who have joint or full custody of at least one child whose biological or adoptive parent is not the service member’s spouse also have to complete a plan. When service members are responsible for dependent family members, they most likely need to have a family care plan. See More
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