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Your command will remind you about updating your Page 2 and verifying your SGLI before deployment. They’ll make sure your dental records are current and your will is on file. But here’s what they won’t tell you: those standard requirements are just the bare minimum, and they don’t come close to truly protecting your family if something happens to you downrange.

Most service members think they’re covered because they checked the boxes their command required. But the reality? There are critical documents that fall through the cracks. These are documents that can mean the difference between your family navigating your affairs smoothly or spending months (or years) untangling legal and financial nightmares while they’re grieving.

Beyond Military Pre-Deployment Documents ( Summary Video & Downloadable PDF)

Please take a moment to watch this summary video regarding military pre-deployment documents and then download this comprehensive PDF guide/worksheet titled: Pre-Deployment Readiness Checklist. This checklist worksheet is provided as a comprehensive guide to ensure all proper arrangements are made, protecting you legally, financially and to provide a list of government/military resources available to the service member and their families.

I learned this the hard way. As an Active Duty Navy member preparing for deployment, I wanted to make sure my significant other and her kids would be protected if I didn’t come home. What I discovered shocked me: updating my Page 2 didn’t automatically update my SGLI beneficiaries. My SGLI didn’t sync with DEERS. And none of the standard military paperwork addressed who would have access to my bank accounts, digital assets, or even how to get into my phone if something happened.

This isn’t about being morbid. It’s about being responsible. Your family deserves better than discovering critical gaps in your planning during the worst moment of their lives. Let’s fix that right now.

1. Comprehensive Power of Attorney (Financial)

What It Is: A financial Power of Attorney (POA) gives someone you trust the legal authority to manage your financial affairs, sign documents on your behalf, access accounts, pay bills, and handle property matters while you’re deployed or if you become incapacitated.

Why Your Command Won’t Mention It: Most commands assume you’ll handle this through JAG or already have it done. They focus on operational readiness, not comprehensive family protection. But without a proper POA, your spouse or family can’t access bank accounts, manage property, or handle emergencies that require your signature.

What You Need to Know:

• General vs. Special POA: A general POA covers broad financial decisions. A special POA is limited to specific transactions (like selling a car or refinancing a home).
• Durable POA: This remains valid even if you become incapacitated. This is CRITICAL. A regular POA becomes void if you’re injured and can’t make decisions. A durable POA continues.
• State-specific requirements: Some states require specific language or notarization. If you own property in multiple states, you may need multiple POAs.
• JAG can help: Most base legal offices (JAG) offer free POA preparation. Take advantage of this.

Where to Get It:

• Base JAG/legal assistance office (FREE)
• State-specific POA forms (if JAG unavailable)
• Private attorney (if complex assets or blended family situations)

Resources:

• Military OneSource Legal Assistance: 800-342-9647
• Find your nearest JAG office: https://legalassistance.law.af.mil/
• State-by-state POA requirements: www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/state-laws-powers-of-attorney

2. Healthcare Power of Attorney (Medical POA) and Advanced Directive

What It Is: A Healthcare Power of Attorney (also called a Medical POA or Healthcare Proxy) designates someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. An Advanced Directive (Living Will) specifies your wishes about life-sustaining treatment.

Why Your Command Won’t Mention It: The military healthcare system assumes your legal spouse has automatic decision-making authority, but that’s not always the case. If you’re unmarried, separated, or estranged from family, this becomes critical. Also, if you have specific wishes about life support, organ donation, or end-of-life care, those need to be documented.

What You Need to Know:

• Not the same as Financial POA: These are completely separate documents. Having a financial POA doesn’t give someone medical decision-making authority.
• Unmarried partners: If you’re not married, your significant other has ZERO legal authority to make medical decisions without this document. Parents or siblings would make decisions by default.
• Specific instructions matter: Do you want to be kept on life support? Are you an organ donor? Do you have religious considerations? Document them.
• Multiple copies needed: Give copies to your POA holder, your primary care physician, and keep one in your deployment folder.

Where to Get It:

• Base JAG/legal assistance office (FREE)
• Base hospital/medical center patient advocate
• State health department websites (free forms)
• Private attorney

Resources:

• TRICARE Advanced Directive information: www.tricare.mil/lifeevents/advanceddirectives
• State-specific forms: www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/free-printable-advance-directives/
• Military OneSource: 800-342-9647

3. Updated Last Will and Testament (With Military-Specific Considerations)

What It Is: A will is a legal document that specifies how you want your assets distributed, who should care for minor children, and who will manage your estate after your death.

Why Your Command Will Barely Touch This: Your command will ask if you have a will on file. But they won’t tell you that a generic will might not address military-specific assets like SGLI proceeds, VA benefits, or survivor benefits. They also won’t mention that state laws vary wildly on how wills are executed and probated.

What You Need to Know:

• SGLI doesn’t go through your will: Your SGLI beneficiary designation overrides your will. If your will says “everything to my spouse” but your SGLI lists your parents, your parents get the SGLI money. This is a common and devastating mistake.
• Guardian designation for minor children: This is NOT automatic. If you don’t name a guardian, a court will decide who raises your kids. If you’re in a blended family, this becomes even more complex.
• Military Survivor Benefits don’t transfer through will: SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan) goes to designated beneficiaries, not through probate.
• Personal property distribution: Who gets your car, your guns, your collections? Be specific. Vague language causes family fights.
• Executor/Personal Representative: Choose someone organized and trustworthy. This person will manage your entire estate, pay debts, and distribute assets.

Where to Get It:

• Base JAG/legal assistance office (FREE for simple estates)
• Online legal services (LegalZoom, Nolo) for straightforward situations ($100-300)
• Private attorney for complex estates, blended families, or significant assets ($500-2,000+)

Resources:

• Military.com Estate Planning Guide: www.military.com/money/personal-finance/estate-planning-guide
• JAG Legal Assistance Locator: legalassistance.law.af.mil
• American Bar Association Guide: www.americanbar.org/groups/real_property_trust_estate/resources/estate_planning/

4. Digital Asset Inventory and Access Instructions

What It Is: A comprehensive list of all your digital accounts, passwords, access instructions, and wishes for what happens to those accounts after you’re gone.

Why Your Command Has Never Heard of This: Because it didn’t exist when most military estate planning protocols were written. But in 2025? Your entire financial life, photos, memories, and communication history live online. Without access instructions, your family loses everything.

What You Need to Know:

• Email accounts: Your family needs access to receive important notifications, bills, and communications after your death.
• Financial accounts: Bank accounts, investment apps, PayPal, Venmo, cryptocurrency wallets. If your family doesn’t know these exist, they can’t claim them.
• Social media: Do you want your Facebook memorialized? Deleted? Transferred? Each platform has different policies.
• Photos and files: iCloud, Google Photos, Dropbox. Where are your photos of your kids? Your family videos? Without passwords, they’re gone forever.
• Subscriptions and recurring payments: Netflix, gaming subscriptions, cloud storage. These keep billing even after you’re gone.
• Work accounts and projects: If you’re a contractor or have a side business, your family needs access to complete or transition work.

What to Include:

• List of every account (email, bank, social media, subscriptions)
• Usernames (if different from email)
• Password manager master password OR location of written passwords
• Security question answers
• Two-factor authentication backup codes
• Instructions for what you want done with each account

Where to Store It:

• Password manager with emergency access feature (LastPass, 1Password, Dashlane)
• Encrypted USB drive in your deployment folder
• With your attorney or in a safe deposit box (ONLY if someone has access)

Resources:

• Digital Estate Planning Guide: www.thedigitalbeyond.com
• Google Inactive Account Manager: myaccount.google.com/inactive
• Facebook Legacy Contact: www.facebook.com/help/1568013990080948

5. SGLI Beneficiary Verification Document (Separate From Your Page 2)

What It Is: This is your physical copy of SGLV 8286 (your SGLI beneficiary designation form) that proves who you’ve named to receive your $500,000 life insurance benefit.

Why This Is Critical: Here’s the mistake that costs families hundreds of thousands of dollars: service members update their Page 2 and think that updates SGLI. It doesn’t. Your Page 2, SGLI, and DEERS are three completely separate systems. If they don’t match, people end up in court fighting over who gets what.

What You Need to Know:

• Page 2 vs. SGLI: Your Page 2 lists your “next of kin” for notification purposes. Your SGLI form (SGLV 8286) determines who gets your life insurance money. These can be (and often are) different people.
• DEERS is also separate: DEERS enrollment gives people access to military benefits. It doesn’t determine SGLI beneficiaries.
• Get a physical copy: Don’t rely on the military’s electronic records. Systems fail. Get a signed, stamped copy of your SGLV 8286 and keep it in your deployment folder.
• Contingent beneficiaries: If your primary beneficiary dies before you (or at the same time), who’s next? If you don’t list contingent beneficiaries, your SGLI goes through probate and follows state law.
• Percentages must equal 100%: If you’re splitting SGLI between multiple people, double-check the math. Mistakes here delay payment.

Common Mistakes That Cause Problems:

• Ex-spouse still listed: If you’ve remarried but never updated SGLI, your ex gets the money (yes, even if your will says otherwise).
• Listing “my children” instead of names: This causes delays and legal battles. List each child by name with their percentage.
• Assuming your spouse gets it automatically: They don’t, unless you specifically name them.

Where to Update It:

• Your personnel/admin office
• Through milConnect: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil
• At mobilization/deployment check-in

Resources:

• SGLI Information: www.va.gov/life-insurance/options-eligibility/sgli/
• milConnect Portal: milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil
• Benefits Hotline: 800-419-1473

6. Complete Account Access Document

What It Is: A master list of every financial account, insurance policy, debt, and asset you own with account numbers, locations, contact information, and approximate values.

Why This Saves Your Family Months of Heartache: When someone dies, the first question is always “What did they have?” Families spend months playing detective, calling banks, searching for policies, trying to figure out if there are hidden accounts or debts. This document eliminates that nightmare. Related article: The Truth Behind Military Survivor Benefits.

What to Include:

Bank Accounts:

• Institution name
• Account type (checking, savings)
• Account number
• Approximate balance
• Online access information
• Branch location (if applicable)

Investment Accounts:

• Brokerage accounts
• Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, TSP)
• 529 college savings plans
• Cryptocurrency wallets

Insurance Policies:

• SGLI (automatic for active duty)
• Private life insurance policies
• Auto insurance
• Homeowner’s/renter’s insurance
• Policy numbers and company contact information

Debts:

• Credit card accounts and balances
• Student loans
• Car loans
• Mortgage
• Personal loans
• Any money owed to individuals

Real Estate and Vehicles:

• Property addresses
• Deed/title locations
• Mortgage information
• Vehicle make/model/VIN
• Title location

Where to Store It:

• In your deployment folder (physical copy)
• Encrypted digital file shared with your POA holder
• With your attorney (if you have one)
• Safe deposit box (ONLY if your POA holder has access)

Update Frequency: Review and update every 6 months or whenever you open/close accounts, buy/sell property, or take on/pay off debt.

Resources:

• Account Inventory Template: www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/free-books/living-trust-book/chapter7-4.html
• Financial Document Checklist: www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/09/important-documents-to-save.asp

7. Safe Deposit Box Location and Access Instructions

What It Is: Documentation of any safe deposit boxes you have, where they’re located, who has access, and what’s inside them.

Why It Matters: Safe deposit boxes are where people keep their most valuable documents: birth certificates, property deeds, bonds, jewelry, collections. But if your family doesn’t know the box exists or can’t access it, those items are effectively gone.

What You Need to Know:

• Access rules vary: Some banks allow joint access. Some require a death certificate and court order to open the box after you die. Some require both keys. Know your bank’s policy.
• Don’t store your original will there: If your will is in a safe deposit box that requires a death certificate to open, you’ve created a catch-22. Store a copy there, keep the original with your attorney or in your deployment folder.
• List contents: Your family needs to know what’s in the box so they know whether it’s worth the effort to access.
• Key location: Where is the physical key? Who has the spare?

What to Document:

• Bank name and branch location
• Box number
• Key location
• Who has authorized access
• General list of contents (not detailed enough to create security risk)
• Bank contact information

Resources:

• Safe Deposit Box Access Laws by State: www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/what-happens-to-a-safe-deposit-box-when-someone-dies.html

8. Funeral, Burial, and Memorial Wishes Document

What It Is: A detailed document specifying your preferences for your funeral service, burial or cremation, military honors, memorial service, and how you want to be remembered.

Why Your Family Desperately Needs This: Planning a funeral while grieving is one of the hardest things a family will ever do. They’re emotional, exhausted, and facing dozens of decisions: Burial or cremation? What kind of service? Open or closed casket? Military honors? What music? What readings? Without your input, they second-guess every choice and wonder if they’re honoring your wishes.

What to Include:

Service Preferences:

• Type of service (traditional funeral, memorial service, celebration of life, none)
• Religious or secular
• Military honors (yes/no, which branch traditions)
• Open or closed casket (if applicable)
• Location (chapel, funeral home, outdoor, other)

Music and Readings:

• Specific songs you want played
• Religious readings or secular poetry
• Who you’d like to speak (if anyone)

Burial or Cremation:

• Burial or cremation preference
• If burial: which cemetery, specific plot if already purchased
• If cremation: what to do with ashes (scattered, buried, kept, divided among family)
• Casket or urn preferences

Military Honors:

• Full military funeral with honor guard
• Specific military traditions for your branch
• Flag folding ceremony
• Playing of Taps
• Rifle volley

Other Wishes:

• Charitable donations in lieu of flowers
• Memorial scholarship or fund
• Specific clothing for burial
• Jewelry to be buried with you or passed to family
• Photos or items for display at service

Where to Store It:

• With your deployment documents
• Give a copy to your designated POA
• Discuss with your family NOW so they know your wishes

Resources:

• Military Funeral Honors: www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/preparing-for-death/military-funeral-honors
• VA Burial Benefits: www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
• National Cemetery Administration: www.cem.va.gov

9. Personal Letters and Legacy Messages

What It Is: Written or recorded messages to your loved ones to be delivered if you don’t come home.

Why This Is the Most Important Document (That Has Nothing to Do With Paperwork): All the legal documents in the world don’t replace saying goodbye. These letters give your family comfort, closure, and your final words of love. They’re irreplaceable.

What to Create:

Individual Letters:

• Letter to your spouse or partner
• Individual letters to each child (including messages for milestones: graduation, wedding, first child)
• Letter to your parents
• Letter to siblings or close friends
• Letter to anyone who matters to you

What to Say: This is deeply personal, but consider including:

• How much you love them
• Favorite memories together
• What you admire about them
• What you want for their future
• Permission to move on and be happy
• Practical advice or life lessons
• Inside jokes or shared moments

Video Messages: Consider recording video messages as well. Hearing your voice and seeing your face is a gift your family will treasure forever.

Where to Store Them:

• Sealed envelopes marked “To be opened only in the event of my death”
• With your deployment documents
• Give to a trusted friend or family member with instructions
• Consider a service like FinalRoadmap or SafeBeyond that delivers messages after death

Resources:

• “Should Tomorrow Never Come” Legacy Journal: [Link to your own product]
• If I Die app: getifidie.com
• Final Roadmap: finalroadmap.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Family Deserves the Full Picture

Your command will check the boxes they’re required to check. They’ll make sure you have a will and your SGLI is updated. But the difference between minimum compliance and actually protecting your family is everything we just covered.

Take the time to complete these nine documents before you deploy. Yes, it’s uncomfortable to think about. Yes, it takes time. But the alternative is your family discovering the gaps when it’s too late to fix them.

You don’t deploy without preparing your gear. Don’t deploy without preparing your family’s future.

Download our complete Pre-Deployment Readiness Checklist to ensure you’ve covered every detail, including administrative cross-checks, resource contacts, and a timeline to complete everything systematically.

Your family will thank you. And hopefully, you’ll come home, update everything, and never need any of it.