H1: Personal Belongings During Military Deployment: What Happens to Your Phone, Wallet, and Other Essentials?
When you are deployed in the military, your personal belongings, such as your phone and wallet, can face unique circumstances. Depending on your marital status and the specific deployment situation, these items may be left with family, stored for later retrieval, or simply taken with you. This article explores the various scenarios and standard procedures for handling your belongings during military duty.
H2: Single Soldiers and Deployments
For single soldiers living in barracks or BOQ (Bachelor Officers Quarters), there isn't much that is left behind when going on duty. However, the situation changes if you have a family. A family may be moved to a hometown or another acceptable location, and their belongings will be stored by the government until your deployment ends and reassignment orders take effect. Otherwise, household goods (HHG) are placed in storage until your return.
H2: Family and Deployment Arrangements
When I was deployed from Panama to Vietnam in 1967, my family was moved to Los Angeles at government expense. This allowed them to be near family and friends in a familiar environment. We found suitable living quarters that were partially paid for by my housing allowance. This arrangement provided a stable environment for both military duty and family life.
H2: Standard Procedures Upon Deployment
In the event of a soldier's death during deployment, the personal items are typically collected, sorted, and stored for transfer to the soldier's heirs. However, some unsavory items are often culled out and destroyed to avoid disrupting the family. For example, Playboy magazines might be retained, but not the copies of the exact magazine issue.
H2: Navy vs. Army Deployment
Navy deployments, especially those aboard ships, differ significantly from Army deployments. Married soldiers tend to leave most of their belongings at home with their families, while single soldiers often keep their items onboard. Married soldiers can also leave excess belongings with family or use personal storage, while government storage contracts are also available.
H2: Personal Essentials During Deployment
It is essential to take your wallet and cell phone with you because they are necessary for identification, accessing ID cards, and credit/debit cards. Cell phones are still useful without an international plan, as military bases often provide Wi-Fi access. Even during deployments, Wi-Fi centers and sleeping areas with Wi-Fi are available. Every deployment is different, and the amenities and conditions can vary. For instance, during a recent Iraq deployment, soldiers experienced diverse living conditions ranging from tents with free Wi-Fi to concrete bunkers with no Wi-Fi. A laptop, cell phone, and wallet are almost necessities due to the sharing culture among military members.
H2: Uniqueness of Deployments
No two deployments are the same, and living conditions can change frequently. Soldiers can bring or buy various amenities, including televisions, gaming systems, and laptops. Large digital storage devices are necessary for sharing movies, TV shows, and, of course, other content. Understanding the deployed environment can be challenging, as movies and shows often portray an idealized version. However, each soldier's experience is unique, and encountering different living conditions and amenities is part of the military's multifaceted reality.
H2: Conclusion
The handling of personal belongings during military deployments is complex and varies based on individual circumstances. Understanding the procedures and expectations can ensure a smoother transition for both military personnel and their families. Whether you are a single soldier living in barracks or a married individual with a family, the standard procedures and personal experiences can significantly impact your deployment and overall well-being.