Do your part: uphold OPSEC rules and regulations.

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.

Safekeeping Soldiers

OPSEC is a topic near and dear to my heart. During my son’s deployments I have seen OPSEC violated, and it made me feel like his safety was threatened. I know how hard it is to watch them go, but posting his name, rank, identifying unit information, destination and time of anticipated departure on Facebook was never an option. It’s not necessary and it’s not helpful, but more than once I have seen this type of information posted about military members on the Internet.

In order to exercise OPSEC, it’s important to first know what kind of information you need to safeguard.

OPSEC indicators

The following is from the Stryker News website. It’s an excellent definition and understanding of what information we need to protect as parents of U.S. military members:

What Is OPSEC?

Operations Security, or OPSEC, is keeping potential adversaries from discovering our critical information. As the name suggests, it protects our operations planned, in progress and those completed. Success depends on secrecy and surprise so the military can accomplish the mission faster and with less risk. Our adversaries want our information, and they don’t concentrate on only soldiers to get it. They want you, the family member.

Protecting Critical Information

Even though information may not be secret, it can be what we call “critical information.” Critical information deals with specific facts about military intentions, capabilities, operations or activities. If an adversary knew this detailed information, our mission accomplishment and personnel safety could be jeopardized. It must be protected to ensure an adversary doesn’t gain a significant advantage. By being a member of the military family, you will often know some bits of critical information. Do not discuss them outside of your immediate family and especially not over the telephone.

Examples Of Critical Information

• Detailed information about the mission of assigned units.
• Details on locations and times of unit deployments.
• Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (Example: pay information, powers of attorney, wills, deployment information).
• References to trends in unit morale or personnel problems.
• Details concerning security procedures.

Puzzle Pieces

These bits of information may seem insignificant. However, to a trained adversary, they are small pieces of a puzzle that highlight what we’re doing and planning. Remember, the elements of security and surprise are vital to the accomplishment of our goals and our collective personnel protection.

Remember to always play it safe and err on the side of caution. My rule of thumb about when to share information (such as when he is on his way home) is simple: When in doubt keep it to yourself.

 Photo courtesy of Jayel Aheram

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?

Much of the information about OPSEC is fear based and seems to be trying to cause paranoia. Scaring your children into not saying anything about deployment is really a negative way to go about a very important issue.

OPSEC: What To Avoid

A parent shouldn’t attempt to explain OPSEC unless they fully understand what it is. Rather than tell your children that they can’t tell anyone about deployment, give them specific examples of what to avoid in conversation and social media posts.

The general idea is to avoid giving specifics about what your service member does, where they are (beyond country), when they are on a mission or specifics about when they’ll return. For more information about OPSEC, check out this article.

Emotions

It is important to talk to children about how to safely navigate social media

The first thing you’ll want to talk about with your children is the different emotions associated with a parent getting deployed. Anger, sadness or just plain confusion are all normal reactions and you should reassure your child that it’s normal to express these emotions.

However, rather than post specifics about a parents deployment on a social media website, let them know that they can discuss those specifics with you, their siblings or other trusted adults.

Protection

Rather than explain Operational Security as something that will limit your child’s expression, consider phrasing it as a way for them to do their part to keep their parent and country safe.

Many children are proud of a parent’s service and you should let them know that following the OPSEC guidelines keeps everyone safe and is a way to be a hero too and contribute to the mission. Phrasing it like this will make your child feel included and important rather than excluded and limited.

A Reminder

Sometimes the best way to get your children to follow the rules of OPSEC is to have them be your monitor. We all slip up and mention a few things we probably shouldn’t and children are great monitors. Have them get used to what is appropriate to say by being your reminder if you slip up.

OPSEC: Not just an old fashioned rule

Review General Online Safety

Even though your children are constantly bombarded with messages telling them to be safe online, it never hurts to have a brief reminder before a deployment to emphasize the importance of online safety and OPSEC.

No long-winded explanations are necessary, just review that they understand talking to someone in a chat room doesn’t mean they’re suddenly best friends and you shouldn’t give away personal information online and this includes information about a parent’s deployment.

A General Tip

Sometimes it’s hard for adults to remember what it’s like as a kid when it seems like adults are keeping secrets from you. Children may take the absence of information about their job, location and return as a sign that you don’t trust or love them rather than a safety precaution.

It’s important to give them enough information so they know you’ll be coming back without telling them so much before you know they can handle keeping certain information quiet.

The best advice to parents about to go through a deployment is to explain OPSEC in a way that isn’t meant to scare them, and rather try to get them involved and feeling like they’re doing their part.

Thanks to hiestand24 and 501st Sustainment Brigade via flickr creative commons

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.

Buy a home

Even when stationed half a world away, service members can still use their VA loan benefit to purchase a home. Their agent—whether it’s a spouse or immediate family member—can sign binding purchase and closing documents. Other things concerning POA and mortgages include POA for a specific property and written consent from the borrower.

Move money

Someone granted POA for financial affairs has control of a service member’s bank accounts. Transferring, withdrawing, depositing money and starting new accounts are possibilities, unless prohibited by limited POA.

Pay taxes

Perhaps not the most glamorous of powers, paying taxes is important while a service member is abroad.

Pay bills

Another fun task for agents, paying bills on time is crucial. Not being responsible with bills can cause bad credit history or the turning off of utilities. Either way, do not ignore this duty.

Health care directives

Health care POA (HCPOA) gives the agent the power to make medical decisions for the service member who granted POA. However, the service member’s living will likely outlines who can make medical decisions in certain instances. HCPOA would apply if the service member faces certain death.

As you can see, POA puts the agent in an important position. Service members’ agents should be responsible and level-headed so they make appropriate, educated decisions. Go over the responsibilities with several next of kin. If you want, you can specify who handles which tasks while you’re deployed.

Photo thanks to Wiertz Sébastien via Flickr Creative Commons

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.

Types of POA

Military members will want to grant general POA, which enables to the attorney-in-fact—the person who is given POA—to handle matters until the POA is revoked. Without POA, it is very difficult or impossible for a service member to manage these matters, such as banking decisions or purchasing a home.

Forms

Forms vary from state to state. Although you can find forms online, you’re better off checking with legal stationers, legal printers or attorneys. Online forms may not hold up in court, and properly drawn-up forms are more reliable. You’ll have to pay a small fee for general POA forms, but they should be less than $20.

Included information

POA forms will specify what powers the attorney-in-fact takes over for the service member who will be deployed. Legal, financial and medical decisions are commonly granted. Service members can immediately grant POA to a family member. However, if the service member would rather wait until the day of deployment, that can be defined on the form. You may also need to obtain more specific POAs for individual transactions.

Notarized

The service member and attorney-in-fact need to sign the form and get it notarized. Most banks have employees who are notaries and can notarize the form for you. The notary acts as a legal witness.

Filing the POA

Not every state acknowledges the POA unless the form is filed with your county clerk. Contact your city hall to find out hours of operation so you can file the form, which completes the process.

Revoking POA

Transferring POA back to the service member requires a similar process upon the service member’s return. Instead of getting paperwork to grant POA, revocation of POA papers will be necessary.

Check out Part 2, which covers the decisions attorneys-in-fact make in place of their service member. Leave us a comment with your questions or concerns!

Photo thanks to ElvertBarnes via Flickr Creative Commons

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.

Survivor Benefit Plan Basics

The great thing about the SBP is that unlike typical life insurance there isn’t a chance that beneficiaries will outlive the benefit.

Although the amount varies, beneficiaries receive a guaranteed percentage of their retirement pay after death. However, the amount your beneficiary will receive depends on your elected coverage.

Military members usually opt for full coverage, which would allow your spouse to receive 55 percent of your retired pay. Plus, this benefit can be applied to your children, dependant grandchildren and even former spouses, too.

However, if you ever decided to reduce you coverage amount, you’ll need your spouse’s permission to make a change to your policy.

The Cost of the Survivor Benefit Plan

If you decided to enroll in the SBP, you would be charged a monthly fee, which comes directly from your retirement pay.

Fortunately, the percentage charged is the lesser of:
• 6.5 percent of your insured military pay, or
• 2.5 percent of the first $635 protected plus 10 percent of the remaining balance

For example, if you insured $1,800 through the SBP, then your monthly cost would be $117, according to USAA. Additionally, after 30 years of steady SBP payments, you’ll no longer have to pay a premium.

Reservists Are Included

Through a similar program, reservists are able to protect their retirement income, too. Through the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP), protecting their spouse from a huge financial setback is possible.

However, while the RCSBP is similar, there are distinctive differences in the coverage options available:

• Option A: Military members forgo coverage but retain the option to enroll upon turning 60
• Option B: Coverage is elected, but the retirement benefits don’t start until the retiree would have turned 60
• Option C: Coverage elected and RCSPB benefits begin upon the retiree’s death

Why Choose the SBP

The SBP affords participants numerous advantages, but there are two benefits that truly separate the program from the standard life insurance policy:

• The SBP premium is paid out before your retirement pay is taxed, which reduces your amount of taxable income
• The SBP program guards against inflation each year when retirement pay is adjusted through the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). In turn, this raises your premiums and annuity payments.

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.

Young Children (<6)

Even little ones understand enough to be affected by the absence of a parent.

• Clingy: Even if your child is usually very independent, don’t be surprised if their reaction to the news is to become very clingy. Be prepared to give them more attention.
• Comfort Items: Many children (as well as yourself) may appreciate the symbolism behind a comfort item “trade”. Stuffed animals or sweat shirts are great to trade so they have something to hold on to when deployment feels especially lonely.
• Say Goodbye: With younger kids it is tempting to slip away while they’re sleeping or at school etc. Although this avoids the sadness of the goodbye, it can leave the child with a serious sense of abandonment. As difficult as it may be, a proper goodbye is better for everyone.
• Literally: Children in this age group are very literal. They will often have questions that have to do with how this will look and work in their routine. Explain to them that their needs will be met and explain things that might change.

Children (6-12)

Children in this age range have a wide variety of understanding and maturity levels. You will really have to cater your explanation to your child’s understanding.

• The 3^rd Degree: Children of this age are highly inquisitive and therefore will ask you a hundred questions about deployment. Be prepared to answer them as truthfully and accurately as possible.
• Examples: Children work well with real-life examples. If you know another military family that has recently dealt with deployment, use them as an example. Seeing that a family can go through deployment and reunite afterwards will give everyone a sense of relief. If you do not have a real life example check a kid friendly book from the library about deployment.
• Expression: Children at this age are usually confused when something emotional like a deployment is about to happen. They are experiencing new emotions and it is very likely they won’t know how to express them. Expressing your own emotions will help them learn to verbalize their feelings as well.

Teenagers (13-18)

By this age they have a fairly solid idea of what war is, what exactly you’re doing, and the dangers that go along with the job. However, questions about your location and wellbeing will still come up and be sure to answer them truthfully.

• Logic: During the teenage years, the mind is looking for logic. Try to give them facts and statistics if they are asking a lot of questions about your safety. Show them your equipment so they are fully aware of how you’re protecting yourself.
• Milestones: Expect a potentially hostile reaction if you will be missing important events such as a graduation, their 16^th birthday or prom.
• New Roles: Teenagers will also be concerned with how their role in the family will change. Especially if they are the oldest child or an only child, they may be wondering how much of an adult role they will now assume.
• Acting Out: The underlying idea with breaking rules is “they can’t leave if I’m bad.” Because they are generally self-conscious at this age, teenagers will also use rule breaking as a way to express their feelings without looking weak.

General Tips

• Never make a promise you can’t keep. Children will often put their parents on the spot with a question like “are you coming home?” to seek reassurance. It’s tempting to make a definite promise but phrase it as “I’m very well prepared and our number one priority is making it home safely.”
• Let your children be involved in the pre-deployment process. Letting them help you pack is a great idea.
• One of the most important things for people with multiple children is to make sure they spend time with each child individually before they leave. Ensure that they know they are important no matter what.

Honesty really is the best policy when it comes to explaining deployment to your children. If you’re concerned about what to say, remember that making promises you can’t keep, lying about the realities or not saying anything at all can really cause problems down the road if things don’t go exactly as planned.

Photo thanks to TheNationalGuard via Flickr Creative Commons

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.

Just because a family isn’t required to have a plan doesn’t mean they cannot. It doesn’t hurt to do the paperwork to prepare for the worst, such as a spouse’s incapacitation and inability to care for their child.

What does the plan do?

In the instance that you and/or your spouse get deployed, sent to training or put on temporary service, your family care plan is there to outline who will care for your children or other dependents.

Plans specify caregivers, who have to be non-military civilians at least 21 years old. Service members set short- and long-term plans. For short-term absences, caregivers usually are in the living area of dependents. Caregivers assigned in the case of long-term absences don’t need to live nearby.

Although legal wills define who gets custody of children, family care plans define who takes care of them until permanent custody gets established.

Family care plans set up financial preparations to make sure families have the money they need. Details about moving a family are necessary, especially if children or elderly dependents are part of the move. Even if they are not deemed the caregiver, adoptive or biological parents have to be named on the plan. They also have to give their consent.

How do I complete a Family care plan?

Once a service member becomes a single parent or part of a military couple with a child, he or she has 30 days to tell a commander, a commander’s representative or a supervisor about the change. Then the service member has 60 days to submit a family care plan. Not doing so may result in separation from the military.

The Department of Defense instructions cover all the minutiae. Meet with a commander, a commander’s designated representative or a supervisor for assistance in creating a family care plan. Review from your commander helps you and your family piece everything together.

In the end, he or she will approve of the plan, giving your family peace of mind in case you are asked to serve.

Photo thanks to cwwycoff1 via Flickr Creative Commons