CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Military operations and humanitarian relief responses have increased substantially since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While at the same time, the Air Force is decreasing in size. In short, a limited number of troops are handling an unlimited amount of missions around the globe.
This operations tempo places an enormous strain on our military team - professionally and personally. I'd like to focus on the aspect of military readiness I feel is the key reason we remain the most flexible, formidable, ready and capable military force in the world today - family readiness.
With the advent of the expeditionary air and space force and employment of the "Total Force" concept, family readiness has gained increasing importance and become an integral part of readiness.
Every military member will be called upon to spend more time away from home in support of democracy, freedom and the war on terror. Our loved ones will also be required to answer that call by handling our responsibilities and tasks while we're away or working extended hours.
I believe the success of our readiness is founded in the support we receive at home. Parents, spouses and special someones are essential factors in any readiness rating we could ever receive individually or as a team.
How ready is your family if you are called up today? Do you believe your family would be in good shape if you had to leave? Do you have a plan for handling potential situations you face as a military professional and Charleston warrior? If the answer to any of these questions is "no," let me help you get a better sight picture - develop a family readiness plan.
Whether married or single, personal situations vary; readiness plans must be tailored to fit your needs as well as your family's needs. In general, you should outline the assistance and support your family will need before, during and after times of local or national emergencies and disasters, mobilizations, deployments and separations or evacuations.
You should focus on family preparedness by educating them, using publications for reference and participating in readiness support activities within your units. You should develop a checklist of critical documents, important reference sources and "what if?" action plans.
Regardless of where you fit in the Total Force structure, family members of reservists, guardsmen and active duty alike may face financial, legal, medical or childcare crises. The potential challenges and undue stress that any of these issues present can be substantially reduced when people are prepared for the worst.
If you have any questions or need assistance developing a family readiness plan, contact the Airman and Family Readiness Flight or your unit's spouse support group.
Items to include in your family readiness survival kit:
-- "What if" scenarios (include steps and points of contact)
--Certified copies of birth and marriage certificates and social security cards
--Certified copies of court orders and decrees related to or concerning authorized family members and powers of attorney.
--Family immunization records
--Copy of all written/travel orders
--International and stateside drivers licenses
--Passports
--Household inventories
--Vehicle title and registration
--SGLV 8286 (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance)
--DD Form 93, Record of Emergency Data (vRed)
--AF Form 357, Dependant Care Certification
--Copy of member's end of month Leave and Earnings Statement
--Legal will
--Financial plan