• Military deployment is the movement of armed forces. Deployment includes any movement from a military Service Member's home station to somewhere outside the continental U.S. and its territories.
• ONE EXAMPLE would be when a unit based in the U.S. is deployed to another country to enter into a combat zone
• Deployment is not restricted to combat; units can be deployed for other reasons such as humanitarian aid, evacuation of U.S. citizens, restoration of peace, or increased security.
• Deployments can last from 90 days to 15 months. With the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, multiple deployments became more common than in past conflicts.
• Find out more at: https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/docs/em_deployment.asp

• This is an order given to Commander notifying if their force will be the “First Boots” on the ground regarding an international event. Under this order, Soldiers are required to meet precise standards in order to meet the rapid movement of a Brigade size element movement. .
• The order will come down to prepare the unit to move within 48 hours and landed within 96 hours.

• Rapid Deployment Forces Can Provide Resources The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Rapid Deployment Forces (RDF) provide resources and assistance to State, Tribal and local health authorities throughout the United States. They were created in 2006 as part of the National Response Framework's ESF-8 public health and medical asset provisions. Like all Commissioned Corps response teams, they may be deployed in response to an ESF-8 or nonESF-8 public health emergency. There are currently five RDF, each of which is a workforce comprising 125+ trained USPHS Commissioned Corps officer responders. Yet each RDF is scalable and can provide only those resources needed. The RDF is also responsive; as a Tier 1 team the RDF can deploy within 12 hours of activation. Each RDF is on-call one out of every 5 months and typically deploys only during the on-call month. Deployments typically do not exceed 2 weeks. Each RDF member is expected to participate in up to 2 weeks of response team training per year.
• Each RDF is capable of responding to the many public health emergencies and urgent health needs arising from a major disaster or other event. RDF teams can be divided into “blue” and “gold” teams, such that one team will be primary and the other secondary for their on-call month. As constituted, the RDF can be divided in half for smaller responses, or for two separate mission assignments in the same theater of operations. If the response needs exceed the capacity of the on-call RDF, the team can be augmented with appropriate officers from Tier 3. RDF teams utilize established communications and other equipment to operate effectively in disaster affected locations and surrounding areas.
• Please see link for specific tasks: https://dcp.psc.gov/ccmis/RedDOG/FactSheets/RDF_Fact_Sheet_FINAL.pdf

• Life in the military is about being ready for deployment. You may be duty-ready, but don't overlook preparations on the home front. Make sure to:
  • Update or create essential legal documents
  • Organize your finances
  • Prepare your family and children
  • Create a family care plan
  • Consider a contingency plan in case things
  • Get your paperwork in order:
  • Getting your legal affairs in order before you deploy can reduce some of your worry and give you more control when you are away. Be sure to review and update beneficiary designations and other important information.
• Organize your finances:
  • During your deployment, you may be eligible for military pay entitlements such as a family separation allowance or combat pay. This is an ideal time to save money, pay off debt or just tidy up your finances. Meeting with a personal finance specialist can be a great way to make sure you understand your entitlements and benefits and get the most out of your money so you can meet your financial goals.
• Prepare your family
  • The Military Family and Readiness System provides a wide variety of deployment support for service members and Families, from predeployment briefings to family readiness group meetings and more. Contact your installation Military and Family Support Center for information on deployment support programs and services.
  • An important part of preparing your family for deployment is to create a family care plan. Family care plans are designed to provide caregivers with all the right information to keep the household running smoothly while you're gone. Plans usually include details about childcare, school, medical care and family activities, as well as all necessary contacts. Learn more about preparing your family care plan.
• Have a backup plan
  • The military is full of changes. You can be gearing up for a deployment and then get orders that your mission is canceled or postponed. That's why contingency planning is part of deployment planning. Learn more about cancelled or postponed deployment: the importance of contingency planning.

• Enlisted Soldiers are the most important part of the Army structure. They carry out orders and complete missions. Enlisted Soldiers perform specific job functions and have the knowledge that ensures the success of their unit's current mission within the Army.
• Junior Enlisted Ranks:
  • Private (PVT), Private Second Class (PV2), Private First Class (PFC), Specialist (SPC)

How the Army Promotion Points Worksheet Works:

• The Army Promotion Points Worksheet consists of the same sections and buckets of points as the RA, just laid out and processed on a worksheet as opposed to being fully maintained in a Soldier's personnel (eMILPO) and training (ATRRS) files. This is a more manual versus an automated system.
• The work and effort that you put forward to actually earn points is the same across the Army. It can be noted however that the promotion to Sergeant has different point allowances than promotion to Staff Sergeant.
• Sections:
  • Section A - Recommendation. This section includes Military Training at the top level, with and the APFT (ACFT) and Weapons Qualification included within. It also includes commander and promotion board president concurrence and signatures.
  • Section B - Administrative Points. This section includes awards, decorations, and badges along with military and civilian education sections.
  • Section C - Total Point Computation. This final section includes the summary points calculations across each of the opportunity buckets.

• NCOs are enlisted Soldiers and known as “The Backbone of the Army”. Competence is their watchword; they are technically and tactically proficient. NCO's two most basic responsibilities are accomplishment of the mission and the welfare of Soldiers.
• Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks:
  • Corporal (CPL), Sergeant (SGT), Staff Segreant (SSG)
• Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks:
  • Sergeant First Class (SFC), Master Sergeant (MSG), First Sergeant (1SG), Segreant Major SGM), Command Sergeant Major (CSM)

• A Warrant Officer is a highly specialized expert and trainer in his or her career field. Warrant Officers make up the technical foundation of the U.S. Army. Throughout their careers, they specialize in a technical area like intelligence, aviation, or military police. Warrant officers are appointed by the Secretary of the Army.
• Warrant Officer Ranks:
  • Warrant Officer (WO1), Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2), Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CW3), Chief Warrant Officer 4 (CW4), Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5)

• Commissioned Officers are responsible for leading and training enlisted Soldiers, planning missions, and organizing the internal and external affairs of the Army. Appointments for commissioned officers are made by the President. For field grade officers and above with the advice and consent of the Senate.
• Company Grade Officer Ranks:
  • Second Lieutenant (2LT), First Lieutenant (1LT), Captain (CPT)
• Field Grade Officer Ranks:
  • Major (MAJ), Lieutenant Colonel (LTC), Colonel (COL)
• General Officer Ranks:
  • Brigadier General (BG), Major General (MG), Lieutenant General (LTG), General (GEN)

• The Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) works to ensure Service members, their eligible Family members, and overseas citizens are aware of their right to vote and have the tools and resources to successfully do so - from anywhere in the world.
• Steps to voting while in the military include:
  • Complete the Federal Post Card Application.
  • Sign and send the FPCA to your local election office.
  • Receive your absentee ballot.
  • Vote, sign, and return the ballot.

For more information, visit the following sites:

• https://www.defense.gov/Experience/You-Can-Vote-From-Anywhere/
• https://www.fvap.gov/
• https://www.fvap.gov/info/outreach

• The Central Issue Facility (CIF) provides a single point for receipt, storage, issue, exchange, and return of all authorized organizational clothing and individual equipment items at the specified United States Army Installation.
• This receipt shows what the Soldier is responsible for the entirety of their career. The majority of these items will need to be cleaned and turned in during their tenure as a Soldier.
• It is necessary for the Soldier to maintain discipline and take pride in their equipment that will protect their wellbeing.

• Dress for the event; different attire is appropriate for different events. (Super short shirts/skirts/dress; low cut tops; or a bare midriff are not appropriate for any military events).
• When you hear the phrase, “Attention to Orders” stand-up.
• No public displays of affection. (A hug is appropriate; hand-holding/kissing etc. is not appropriate in public).
• Walk on the left side of your Soldier. (It makes it easier if they need to salute).
• RSVP to invitations (ideally within 48 hours of receiving them).
• The term “Family event” indicates children of all ages are welcome. If it's not stated and you are unsure ask the host.
• If you are outside when “Retreat/To The Color” plays (usually at 5pm daily); stop what you are doing and face the flagpole.
• When the “National Anthem” is playing place your hand over your heart. (Also avoid chewing, talking, texting, etc. during the National Anthem/Retreat/To the Color).
• No need to use sir or ma'am when addressing officers or non-commissioned officers (you are not in the military). If you would like to show respect it is appropriate to use the individual's rank and last name (conveniently written on their uniform), “Good morning, Major Kane”, or ”Good afternoon, Drill Segreant Fematt.”
• There is no rank among spouses!
• Please see the table below indicating appropriate attire based on event type