Mobilizing reservists should have an up-to-date prescription for their glasses, if needed. One extra pair of glasses is also recommended. For sailors who wear contacts, switching to glasses for the duration of the deployment is typically required. In addition to vision prescriptions, reservists should have updated copies of prescriptions for any prescribed medications, as well as a three-month supply of these medicines.
Copies of general medical paperwork should also be made, including copies of insurance program details. If others in the family are enrolled in military insurance programs, copies of coverage for each family member should be made and stored in a safe location.
In order to streamline the security clearance and background check process, reservists should have copies of their birth or naturalization documents. An up-to-date list of professional references complete with names and addresses should be made, along with records of past employment locations and dates.
Educational information, such as high school and college transcripts, should be copied. Addresses of past living locations, along with details on both birth parents, may also be required for a security clearance.
Several miscellaneous legal records should be copied and kept on hand. A current will should be properly filed with an attorney, and copies should be provided to trusted family members. Other emergency legal arrangements, such as power of attorney documents and tax records, should be saved in a secure place.
If the reservist has other financial obligations, including student loans or consumer debt, detailed records should be copied. These records can simplify matters for family members if the military member is injured or delayed while deployed.
Personal financial documents should also be in order prior to deployment. To speed up the military pay process, reservists should have a bank deposit slip with full bank routing information. Information on mortgages or leases, along with an estimated monthly home budget, should be copied.
Finally, official documents for professional medical certifications and proof of liability insurance should be copied and saved if the reservist is involved in the dental or medical corps.
