Soldier/Family
Demobilization Smart Book
A Message From THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
It is my privilege and honor to write introductory comments for this Demobilization Smart Book. This book addresses a variety of demobilization issues such as anticipated timelines and actions that need to occur. The intent of this publication is to provide mobilized soldiers and their families with a handy, hip pocket resource that includes not only demobilization issues, but also benefits and resources available to you and your families. You have proudly served your country in its time of need, and I salute you and your families for your dedication and personal sacrifice. It is with sincere appreciation that we will honor your service at a welcome home ceremony. I thank you for your performance and contributions in support of our fight on terrorism and wish you all the best as you return to your families, friends, and careers. The Illinois National Guard stands ready to assist you in any way possible to support a smooth transition as a citizen soldier. Unit readiness will continue to be enhanced as you share your knowledge and experiences with your fellow guardsmen. Your new perspective and maturity level will advance the morale and welfare of other units, culminating in the unlimited growth potential for the Illinois National Guard. It is my honor to serve as your Adjutant General and bid you “Welcome Home”.
BG Randal E. Thomas The Adjutant General
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Illinois National Guard Family Readiness (Pocket Page) SERVICE MEMBER’S NAME/RANK/SSN
A Message From The STATE COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR
Welcome Home! I thank you for your service and personal sacrifices during your period of mobilization. You have accomplished your mission, and now we need to accomplish ours as you return home to your families and loved ones. We need to honor your service by doing all we can to assist with the transition process back to being a citizen soldier. This Demobilization Smart Book identifies that process and addresses benefits and resources which you and your families have access to and should use as needed. If you have issues or concerns not specifically identified, I recommend you contact the Family Readiness Office in Springfield, IL for further assistance. You have served your country proudly. Your effort, combined with the support of your families, has contributed greatly in supporting the war on terrorism. You should be proud of all that you have done. You are also bringing a wealth of knowledge back with you which can be shared with other units of the Illinois National Guard. This can only improve the readiness levels of other soldiers and units within the state. I cannot say enough to thank you and your families and loved ones for what you all have done during your mobilization period. I hope we as an organization find strength and value in what has been accomplish and that it will make us better in the future. I am proud of each and every one of you. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance in any way.
SERVICE MEMBER’S HOME UNIT
FAMILY READINESS GROUP REP
AMERICAN RED CROSS 800 7-THE ARC (Illinois Only) 877 272-7337 (National) Local _______________________________________________ Go to www.redcross.org for local information FAMILY READINESS OFFICE 1 800 832-9225 CAMP LINCOLN DUTY OFFICER 217 415-0239 OTHER IMPORTANT NUMBERS: __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
CSM Bingse W. Young State Command Sergeant Major
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Notes
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Notes
Ceremonies Ceremonies are to bestow honor and recognition on the soldiers and allow others to show their gratitude for the soldiers’ service to their country. Ceremonies may vary depending on the length and nature of the deployment. Ceremonies for returning troops are often planned at two locations. The de-mobilization site ceremony may be: - Brief, 5 to 10 minutes involving higher headquarters commanders - More elaborate, 1 to 2 hours possibly involving loved ones The home station ceremonies will be both official and unofficial in nature and may include: - initial ceremony: - will be brief - emphasis on soldier and family - limited military requirements - formal ceremony: - will likely be held at the first drill weekend - may include Family and Community involvement - family / commander directed
It is the intent of the ILNG to recognize each individual soldier returning from his or her deployment.
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Error! Reunion
Reunions can be stressful times. There are different kinds of Reunions. There are Reunions with: spouses, children, parents, workplaces, schools and military units. Some of the important things to remember include: Reunion (sometimes called “reintegration”) takes time. Reunion doesn’t just happen when we get off the bus and see our families – Reunion thinking and planning begins at anytime – often when we first enlist. Each person has experienced the time of separation differently. Though it is difficult to do, it’s vital that we not “compare” or be in competition about our experiences. It’s hard on all of us, in different ways for different reasons.
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Important numbers and Web Sites continued…. A site of combined source organized by Lt. Governor Quinn’s office is: Operation Home Front www.operationhomefront.com Army Family Team Building is a volunteer led organization with a central tenet: provide training and knowledge to spouses and family members to support the total Army effort. www.armyfamilyteambuilding.org
Educational Information
Information for Officers: www.perscom.army.mil/opmd/opmd.htm Information for Noncommissioned Officers: www.perscom.army.mil/enlist/enlist.htm www.perscom.army.mil/Epncoes/newsletter.htm
Parents may have sent off a “child” or “student,” only to reunite with a young adult man or woman who has made major, sometimes life-anddeath decisions. Children sometimes are “overlooked” during Reunion times. Their lives are being turned upside down – again. Perhaps they have finally become accustomed to a unique custodial situation (single-parent, grandparents, guardianship) and now they are asked to make another transition. Think carefully to include children as a priority. Spouses sometimes have very different ideas about Reunions. Make sure you and your spouse have talked about what’s important to each of you individually; both of you as a couple; all of you as family (include the children in your initial plans – not as an afterthought); and consider reunion with your extended family. Pay attention to all the “Reunion Briefings” you may receive. There’s much good information there – for you and your family! If you have, or anticipate difficulties with your Reunions, contact your Installation Chaplain, Battalion or Brigade Chaplain, local Clergy or local counselors. Remember you can always use the Army One Source contact for assistance: 1-800-464-8107
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Important numbers and Web Sites Continued…. EMPLOYER SUPPORT FOR GUARD AND RESERVE 1 800 336-4590 217 761-3642 DEERS 217 761-3443 SIDPERS 217 761-3939 INSPECTOR GENERAL 217 761-3733 JUDGE ADVOCATE 217 761-3510 MEDICAL 217 761-3796 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 217 761-3873 MILITARY PAY 217 761-3758 TRVEL PAY 217 761-3653 HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICE 217 761-3543
Chaplain The Illinois National Guard has Chaplains who may be available to assist your unit and individuals and families in the remobilization process. This may include: Worship Services, Briefings, Prayer groups, Prayer Breakfasts, individual counseling and supporting Family Readiness Groups. Fairly often, a NG Chaplain will be able to assist you in identifying and utilizing local Clergy to assist you. In the “pocket” of this Handbook you will find the phone number and email address of the Chaplain assigned to assist you and your unit. The National Guard Chaplaincy is not equipped for long-term counseling assistance, and will not know all local support counseling services – but Chaplains will make every effort to get you the assistance you need – or put you in contact with those who can help you the best. Remember that if you contact the Chaplain “directly” which you are invited to do, that the Chaplain will, if it is military in scope, place your concern in its proper place in the Chain of Command so that we might redress your issue as quickly as possible.
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Counseling The Illinois Army National Guard is not staffed to provide long-term or follow-up counseling to those members and their families who have been mobilized. However, we do recognize that such a need may exist. Below are a series of places where such assistance may be identified or obtained. Veteran’s Administration Center Army One Source Family Support Office Tri-Care Chain of Command Red Cross Chaplain _______________________________________________ Others _______________________________________________ Others _______________________________________________ Others _______________________________________________ Others _______________________________________________ Others _______________________________________________
Important numbers and Web Sites Here are a few important phone numbers and Web Sites. American Red Cross www.redcross.org 1-877-272-7337
Army One Source 1-800-464-8107 www.armyonesource.com User ID: army Password: onesource Collect Call Phone Number 1-484-530-5889 Air Force One Source 1-800-707-5784 www.airforceonesource.com User ID: airforce Password: ready Collect Call Phone Number 1-484-530-5913 Family Readiness Office (Illinois) www.il.ngb.army.mil Veterans Affairs www.va.gov 1-800-827-1000 1-800-832-9225
Illinois Student Assistance Center
1-800-899-4722
Illinois Military Family Relief Fund
Also your Chain of Command can be of assistance. See the pocket card attached for phone numbers of services. 1-866-417-8889 Tri Care 1-877-363-2273 www.tricare.osd.mil Dental Coverage 1-888-622-2256 www.ucci.com
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Department of Veterans Affairs
FAMILY READINESS The State Family Readiness Office is located at Camp Lincoln, Springfield IL. Our mission is to assist the Illinois Army and Air National Guard service-members and their families during wartime and peacetime mobilizations. We offer training opportunities for Family Readiness Groups, a yearly State Family Conference and a summer Youth Camp. Our services include information & referral, Army Community Services, and referral to inter-governmental agencies. We believe empowered families allow Guard members to concentrate on successfully carrying out their mission. During large-scale mobilizations an extra emphasis is placed on ensuring the Guard families are prepared and supported. This is why the State of Illinois has established and funded the Family Assistance Centers (FACs). They are located in six different areas in Illinois. FAC’s provide direct service to members of all military branches and their families. We provide information & referral services for families and assist unit Family Readiness Groups. Most often FACs are considered “one stop shopping”. FACs are intended to simplify the process of accessing needed services and support for Guard families called to active duty for an extended period of time. The primary mission of any FAC is to inform and emotionally support families so Guard members can perform their mission. More information can be found at the Illinois National Guard web site: www.il.ngb.army.mil under Family Readiness or by calling our toll free number at 1 800 832-9225.
www.gibill.va.gov/
www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/index.htm
www.va.gov/vbs/bva
www.va.gov/kids/
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Demobilization Health Issues The following are critical issues, at the demobilization site, you as the soldier/family member need to address. It is important because you may not have the opportunity to correct them after demobilization. • • • • • • Determine medical/dental issues related to deployment. Determine all LOD documentation has been submitted. Ensure all post-mobilization physical exam/referrals have been completed. Soldier ensures all medical/dental issues have been addressed prior to signing DD214. Finalization of Tri-care/Dental benefits if applicable. ILARNGUS Medical Branch representative will be at the demobilization site to address any issues. ILARNGUS Approximate Medical Demobilization Timeline* Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Medical SRC Medical SRC Confirm State Medical Process Process/Physical Medical Issues Personnel Exams and Referrals Confirm Unresolved Medical Issues *Days might not be consecutive and are subject to change to fit the Active Duty Soldier Readiness Center. Points of Contact: Medical Support Branch – 217-761-3796 Tri-Care 1-800-941-4501 or www.tricare.osd.mil or www.tso.osd.mil ILARNGUS web site www.il.ngb.army.mil Veteran’s Administration web site www.va.gov
Department of Veterans Affairs
www.insurance.va.gov/
www.homeloans.va.gov/
www.cem.va.gov/
www1.va.gov/health_benefits/
www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/index.htm www.vba.va.gov/EFIF/
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duty than you would typically earn over a 4 ½ year time period. With a growing number of civilian employers no longer offering retirement packages or offering reduced retirement programs, the National Guard is a great way to help augment your future retirement plans. Thrift Savings Plan: In addition to the ability to earn a retirement, members of the National Guard can elect to contribute to a low cost thrift savings plan that allows its members to contribute money to a tax sheltered account to help augment your civilian and military retirement. For more information on this program go to www.tsp.gov. Re-Enlistment Bonuses Individuals with more than six years of service may qualify for re-enlistment bonuses. For current information on re-enlistment bonuses and options, contact your unit retention NCO or recruiting command at 217-761-3859. General: All members of the National Guard now have unlimited access to purchase items tax free at military base commissaries or post exchange. If no military base is located nearby, soldiers may still purchase products tax free by purchasing products on-line through the Army and Air Forces Exchange Services at www.aafes.com. Additionally, you may utilize morale, recreation, and welfare (MWR) sites that are located throughout the continental United States and at overseas locations. Additional information on MWR programs is available on line at http://www.armymwr.com. Education In addition to the Illinois National Guard Tuition Waiver, there are additional programs to assist soldiers in their educational pursuits. These programs include tuition assistance at private or public institutions, free college entrance examinations (ACT, SAT, GRE, etc), free certification exams (ASE, CSP, etc), free college credit examinations (CLEP, ACTPEP, DSST, etc) and free test preparation videos.
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Tri-Care Demobilization Issues Utilizing the correct process for enrolling in Tri-Care following demobilization is important for both the soldier and their family members. Continuation of Tri-Care benefits after demobilization is of critical importance for soldiers and families that will not receive insurance benefits through civilian employers. A representative from Medical Support Branch will be at the demobilization site to address any issues. As of February 13, 2004 Tri-Care benefits have changed. For the most current information we suggest you contact the medical representative for updated information. Currently you and your family will be covered for 180 days after you have been released from Active Duty. You must ensure you reenroll to obtain the maximum benefits available.
You may be eligible to obtain Tri-Care benefits as a reserve component soldiers and family members if you are either unemployed or employed but ineligible for employer provided health coverage.
Points of Contact: Medical Support Branch 217-761-3796 or 217-761-3822 Tri-Care 1-800-941-4501 or www.tricare.osd.mil or www.tso.osd.mil
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Legal Direct all military related issues to chain of command Direct all non-military issues to chain of concern. Make sure all Power of Attorneys are changed as appropriate Update WILL if necessary Reemployment Guidelines ESGR is an organization dedicated to ensuring that your rights to return to your job are understood by both the employer and employee. You should make contact with your former civilian employer as soon as practical during de-mobilization to arrange for your return to work within the legal timeframe. If necessary a representative from ESGR will contact your employer to clearly outline your rights and benefits under current laws. Your employer cannot make you get out of the Guard, however be considerate and inform your employer of your return in a timely manner. Guidelines for return to work are: Next work period after 8 hour rest for 1-30 days service. 14 days for 31-180 days service 90 days for more than 180 days service Employees receive seniority and promotions as scheduled if the reason for their absence is service in a uniformed service. ESGR National – (800) 336-4590 IL-NG Representative – (217) 761-3642 WEB: www.il.ngb.army.mil www.esgr.org https://esgr.net
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Career Management You have just returned from an Active Duty Deployment; allow time after the mobilization to transition back to your civilian life, then consider your military career carefully. Remember, you may have to retake a physical to rejoin the Army National Guard. By continuing your military service in the Illinois National Guard, you retain the following benefits: Great Part-Time Pay: The Illinois National Guard is a great way to supplement your income as a part time job. The National Guard can significantly increase your income and lead to a greater quality of life. Life Insurance: While serving in the Illinois National Guard you are eligible for low cost life insurance for yourself, your spouse, and your child dependents. One advantage to this insurance program is that it does not take into account pre-existing medical conditions that you or your spouse may have. Retirees and soldiers who complete their service obligation can convert this coverage into Veteran’s Group Life Insurance and maintain many of the same benefits that a person received while serving in the National Guard. Dental Insurance: Due to rising health care costs, a growing number of employers do not offer dental insurance plans. Low cost dental insurance is available for all soldiers and their family members if they are currently serving in the Illinois National Guard. Information for this program is available through the Tri-Care website at http://www.tricare.osd.mil/dental/default.cfm. Retirement: Your active duty time has dramatically increased your retirement points, which will lead to a significantly larger retirement annuity if you complete 20 years of credible service. By completing a one year mobilization, you have earned more retirement points while on active
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MILITARY More education benefits: American Council on Education and more: There are also programs coordinated through the military that award civilian education credits for military training and experience. One of these programs is the American Council on Education (ACE), also known as the Army/ACE Registry Transcript System. American Council on Education The ACE system is accessible through your Army Knowledge Online account. This system identifies all Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) training, Military Course Completions, and Other Learning Experiences obtained throughout your military career. This training is then converted into civilian education credits through any higher education facility. For more information log onto www.us.army.mil and click on the My Education link. Military Education Soldiers who are conditionally promoted upon mobilization require military training to maintain their current rank. These soldiers need to coordinate with their Chain of Command to find out where they stand on the Select Train Promote and Assign order of merit lists. Once this standing is identified these soldiers need to be placed into the required course as soon as possible. Air Guard and Army Guard need to be identified separately. The benefits are not the same.
FINANCIAL
Things to keep copies on hand: DD 214 Travel voucher LES (hard copy or Electronic) MY PAY W-2 for taxes MY PAY
need web addresses also Check that Active duty pay stops when it should. Check that insurance (SGLI) is correct See Chain of Command for any pay problems. Copy of all orders soldier or spouse (i.e. Mob, theater, M.O., promotion, etc.) Do not spend any overpayments because eventually they will have to be repaid!
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EDUCATION: CIVILIAN AND MILITARY CIVILIAN Your Education Benefits: Montgomery GI Bill and More: Several programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide financial assistance to veterans for education programs. This includes enrollment in degree programs, technical and vocation programs, correspondence courses, flight training courses, and on-thejob training and apprenticeship programs. Programs must be approved, usually by a State-approved agency, for VA purposes, before VA education program benefits are paid. Two of these programs are the Illinois Veterans Grant (IVG) and the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). Both programs are intended to help you develop skills that will enhance your opportunities for employment. As a rule the GI Bill must be used within 10 years from the date of eligibility. MGIB Eligibility If you were activated under Title 10 USC and have served on active duty continuously for 24 months or have served any period of time in a Combat Zone, you may now be able to qualify for MGIB Chapter 30 Active Duty Benefits. For more information of education benefits go to www.gibill.va.gov/education/benefits.htm
Illinois Veterans Grant Eligibility Veteran must be a resident of Illinois both before and after 1 year or more of active service, and received an honorable discharge. The IVG pays tuition and approximately half of the fees. The Veteran must complete the IVG application and submit it with a photocopy of their DD 214 Member 4 to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). Visit their website to download the application or to receive additional information at http://www.isac1.org.ilaid.ivggp.html UMET: Use Your Military Experience and Training
Many of today’s veterans have the skills and experience necessary to qualify them, sometimes with little or no additional training, for comparable civilian occupations requiring a license or certificate of competency. UMET is a user-friendly Internet tool to help you navigate the world of civilian licensure and certification requirements. UMET: Answers questions about civilian licenses and certificates. Identifies which certificates and licenses may apply to the civilian equivalent of your military specialty. Indicates whether you need additional training to supplement your military experience. Be sure and obtain a copy of your DD ??? NOBE
Important information about civilian licensing is just a click away at www.umet-vets.dol.gov
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