Military Activation to Duty Checklist

• Ducks in a Row - https://militaryfamilies.com/military-life/ducks-in-a-row-making-your-transition-to-deployment-a-smooth-one/
  • Command Communications – Your command leadership will provide information to you as efficiently as possible through a unit website, email, toll-free number, and/or automated multimedia communication system.
  • Military and Family Support Center – The Department of Defense and each branch of the military provide online information for military families, including those in the National Guard and Reserves.
  • A Soldier’s Guide to Deployment Health Assessments (DHA) - Your health impacts your life, family, career, and future. Whether it is your first deployment or your third, assessing your health is critical to your mission readiness.
  • Legal Matters – There are certain legal documents you must update before you leave for deployment, and some that are recommended to have in one place for reference while you are gone.
  • Yellow Ribbon Events and Family Readiness Activities – Military commands typically host Yellow Ribbon events to help families prepare for and stay strong during and after a deployment.

• Deployment Prep 101 - https://militaryfamilies.com/military-life/deployment-prep-101/
  • Military OneSource – This free, 24-hour service is available to all active duty, National Guard and Reserve members (regardless of activation status) and their families.
  • Family Assistance Centers – Family assistance centers are located in every state to serve geographically dispersed military families, such as families of members of the reserve component who may live far from any military installation.
  • Installation Family Support Programs – Immediate family members of active duty National Guard or Reserve members are entitled to use services at military installations.
  • Unit Family Support Staff and Volunteer Network – National Guard and Reserve commands have organized family support systems of staff and volunteers.
  • Community Support – Look for support outside the military community, including neighbors, coworkers, school personnel, or leaders in your religious organization, about any support services they offer or recommend.
  • Support for Children – There are many forms of support available to National Guard and Reserve parents, children, and caregivers.

• Education While Deployed - https://militaryfamilies.com/military-life/education-while-deployed/
  • Prior Debt? – If you took out your student loan prior to your military service, your interest rate can be capped at 6% during periods of active duty.

What You Need to Do at Prairie State College

• In Enrollment Services, you will need to submit a copy of orders, call for military duty form, and it is strongly recommended that you complete a student release of confidentiality (also known as the family educational rights and privacy act (FERPA)). You will also need an add/drop forms to drop your classes. Notify the school and your professor/instructor that you have been activated, and present the appropriate administrator with a copy of your orders. Keep a record of names, dates, and a brief summary of you conversations with the school and lending institution. Notify the VA certifying official that you have been activated and present your activation orders. Discuss the appropriate course of action with the VA certifying official.
  • Note: DO NOT withdraw from school until you have your orders.
  • Note: If you encounter any problems resolving your academic status, request assistance from your academic advisor.

• In the Financial Aid Office, you will need to contact your student loan lending institution about loan deferment. It is your responsibility to follow through with any procedure the lender indicates.
  • Note: to ensure proper credit and to prevent any financial loss to the military member, these steps must be completed prior to departure.
• In the Business Office, Library, and Barnes & Noble College Bookstore, you will need to relinquish any unpaid balances and return books before the due date. 

Other Steps to Take

Family Health Plan (i.e. BlueCross)

• If you are on active duty for more than 30 days, you and your dependents should be covered by military health care. For more information on these programs contact your military unit.
• Note: when considering your health coverage options, you should examine the scope of the coverage (including benefit coverage and limitations, visit limits, and dollar limits), premiums, cost-sharing (including co-payments and deductibles), and waiting periods for coverage.

Make sure that all of your Authorizations for your bank, internet, and loans are in order.