**[TABLE OF CONTENTS]{.underline}**

**Page**

## Pre-deployment Checklists 2

## Things to do just before a deployment 3

## Obtaining Your Orders, Travel Itinerary, 

## And Reimbursement 4 

## Packing for Deployment 4

## Appendix A 6

## Go Kit 7-8

## Working Khaki Uniform Specs 9

##  Other Valuable Information 10

## 11. Safety In Hotels 10

## 12. Safety in Vehicles, Safety on Foot 11

## 13. Security and Health 12

##  

######## Tips for Your PHS Deployment

These TIPS are general considerations for deployment. As an officer in
the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, you will be visible
during Local, State, and National events and you may be viewed as an
expert in your field. Always be cognizant of this fact.

## [Pre-deployment Checklists]{.underline}

## Things to do immediately:

### Prepare a will. Deployments are generally very safe, but having a will assures that your survivors will receive benefits as you have requested.

### Prepare a Letter of Instruction. A letter of instruction provides your survivors with a list of things to do.

### Prepare a Power of Attorney. This will enable your representative the legal power act on your behalf. 

### Arrange your bank accounts such that someone has equal access. 

### [Financial Preparation Weblink](http://www.military.com/NewContent/0,13190,Deployment_Active_Financial,00.html)

### Ensure life insurance is up to date. Life insurance beneficiaries should reflect your current wishes. 

### Make sure you have copies/records (policy numbers, etc.) of all-important documents accessible to next of kin/legal guardian. 

-   Will,

-   Real estate titles, deeds, mortgages, leases

-   Passport

-   Automobile titles/licenses

-   Birth, marriage, divorce, separation certificates/licenses

-   Insurance policies

-   Social Security Number

-   Bank account numbers\--savings/checking/retirement/other

-   Safety deposit box information and access

-   Credit card numbers, stock/bond numbers

1.  Ensure telephone numbers are available those who may need to access
    someone while you are away. In addition, bring a copy of important
    phone numbers with you:

-   PHS Supervisor

-   HHS Secretary's Operation Center (202) 619-7800

-   Office of Force Readiness and Deployment
    (<http://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/contact.htm>)

-   Emergency Point of Contact

2.  Prepare a Family Care Plan. One of the most important considerations
    of officer readiness is to ensure that your family is cared for
    during times deployment. A Family Care Plan is very important for
    all families and is especially critical for single parents and dual
    active duty parents.

-   See:
    <http://www.military.com/Resources/ResourcesContent/0,13964,31990--,00.html>

3.  Designate a primary and alternate guardian. A guardian can assume
    legal responsibility for your children.

## Things to do just before a deployment:

### If leaving domicile unattended

-   Stop your newspaper and have a neighbor pick up other
    flyers/papers/etc.

-   Arrange for hold mail service
    (<https://dunsapp.usps.gov/HoldMail.jsp>)

-   Arrange for lawn trimming, snow removal, etc.

-   Arrange for car of pets/fish/plants

-   Unplug appliances

-   Turn off water

-   Notify neighbors/friends to check on your house

-   Notify your home security service

1.  Leave the following keys in a safe place or with someone
    responsible:

-   Automobiles

-   Home

-   Safety deposit box.

2.  Arrange for payment of bills

-   Rent/mortgage

-   Lawn service

-   Housekeeping service

-   Utilities

-   Credit card bills

-   Others.

3.  Ensure you have your personnel identification

    a.  Always carry your Government (USPHS-Uniformed Services) ID,
        Drivers License and other identification you may need. **If you
        are flying anywhere**, carry your **passport** because **you
        never know where that plane may have to land**.

    b.  Obtain a set of "dogtags". These dogtags are MANDATORY for
        certain Military aircraft. You may obtain dogtags from the
        following businesses:

-   Rocky Mountain ID <http://www.netutah.com/id/good.htm>

-   Dog Tag Headquarters <http://www.dogtaghq.com/>

-   [http://www.dogtags.com](http://www.dogtags.com/)

-   Local Military Instillation

-   The information that needs to be on the dogtags is:

    1.  Last name

    2.  First name

    3.  Middle initial

    4.  Social Security Number

    5.  Blood Type

    6.  Religion

4.  Ensure you have copies of your professional licensure,
    certifications, BLS card, etc. Carry these with you on your
    deployment.

5.  Ensure you have adequate medications for your time away.

#### [Obtaining Your Orders]{.underline}

Depending on the nature of you deployment, the origin of orders may
vary. You orders may originate from OFRD, HHS, or the requesting Agency.
In some emergency situations, **you may not receive orders before
deployment.**

#### [Obtaining Your Travel Itinerary]{.underline}

Depending on the nature of you deployment, the origin of your Travel
Itinerary may vary. You Travel Itinerary may originate from OFRD, HHS,
or the requesting agency. You may not receive your travel itinerary with
a lot of advanced notice. Begin preparing to deploy as soon as you are
notified.

#### [Obtaining Reimbursement]{.underline}

Depending on the nature of you deployment, you may be provided with
housing and food. In other situations you will be reimbursed for your
housing/meal as perdiem. The requesting agency will provide you with
instructions on submitting a travel voucher to the agency that prepared
your travel.

### [Packing for Deployment]{.underline}

Luggage should be sturdy and lockable. Try to carry only one check-in
bag and one carry-on. Do not pack more that you can carry by yourself,
and keep one set of clothes, a snack, water, money, medications, and all
professional equipment in your carry-on.

Rolling clothes, instead of folding them, will save room. Wash clothes
before wearing to prevent irritation.

Tips for breaking in new leather boots:

-   Break boots in early morning on a warm day

-   Put on socks and boots. Do not lace boots too tightly.

-   Put 12" of lukewarm water in a bathtub.

-   Completely soak boots until socks are soggy.

-   Towel dry boots.

-   Wear boots for the entire day or until they are completely dry.
    Walking for awhile will ensure they are broken in.

-   Polish boots with leather oils.

**Clothing** (general notes)

Bring enough uniforms and clothes to last for 14 days or the length of
your deployment.

Shoes should be comfortable and broken in. If not, bring shoe insoles,
moleskin, or other items to address blisters.

Bring cold weather clothing, as appropriate. Bring exercise
clothes/shoes, as appropriate.

\*Zip Loc Bags are great for keeping items dry in the event that your
luggage is not. Try packing items in ziplocs and then packing them in
your luggage.

**FOOD: At least** one day's worth of emergency food (carry-on), because
you never know when you will be stranded before/after a flight or how
long you will have to wait. This should go in your carry-on bag(s).
MRE's/dehydrated food,Cliff Bars, Power Bars, or other concentrated
sustenance, one day's worth of bottled water.

***Common Sense Disclaimer:* This list is not an exhaustive list. It is
provided to help you think of things you might not have considered. The
actual requirements for any given deployment will vary.**

-   Keep bags small enough to fit in an overhead.

-   Select clothes which can be layered for cool to cold weather.

-   If you must check luggage, make it easily identifiable to baggage
    handlers if they must quickly locate it to pull off a flight and
    transfer to another (Large Decals, Large colorful straps, other
    stand out attachments)

-   Keep some absolute essentials in a carry-on that will enable you to
    survive for a couple of days if you baggage gets lost (see items in
    red below).

-   Carry a letter/orders or other ID which might be used to convey to
    the Airlines/car Rental Agencies that you are responding to a
    disaster, and need priority assistance in obtain a flight or car
    rental

> **PROHIBITED!** Do not bring any of the following:          
>
>   Alcoholic Beverages  Boonie Hats      
>
>   Cappuccino/Coffee Makers  Sterno Heaters      
>
>   Electrical Appliances Large Sums of Money      Jewelry  Purses (with
> FUUs)
>
>   Firearms   Picnic Coolers       Rambo Knives  Illegal Drugs

The checklist that follows covers the basics to pack and can be modified
to meet individual and deployment needs. Two good rules of thumb:

-   If you cannot afford to lose an item, leave it at home.

-   If you cannot do without it, take it with you.

 GO KIT:

**(Should pack in a roll-aboard case)**

+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
| * | # ITEM: Uniforms          | * | ## CARRY [WITH]{.underline} YOU    |
| * |                           | * |                                    |
|  |                           |  |                                    |
| * |                           | * |                                    |
| * |                           | * |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Working khaki uniform, 2  |   | ID showing you are with U.S.P.H.S. |
|   | sets                      |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | (See below)               |   | One complete uniform set           |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | BDU uniform, 2 sets; [BDU |   | Cell phone and charger (if you     |
|   | specs](.                  |   | have one)                          |
|   | ./(http://dcp.psc.gov/PDF |   |                                    |
|   | _docs/PDF_docs_2637.pdf)) |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Uniform Gloves            |   | Cell phone battery -- spare & Car  |
|   |                           |   | charger                            |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Uniform boots/shoes as    |   | Govt Credit card                   |
|   | per specs                 |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Name tag                  |   | Travelers checks and cash          |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Collar Insignias (extra)  |   | Important phone numbers            |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Outergarment              |   | Small notepad                      |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Off-Duty Shoes            |   | Govt Calling card (if you have     |
|   |                           |   | one)                               |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Exercise clothing &       |   | Change of civilian clothes         |
|   | sneakers                  |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | Travel Orders                      |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | [Dog                               |
|   |                           |   | Tags](http://                      |
|   |                           |   | ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/faq_dogtags.htm) |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | Copy of professional license,      |
|   |                           |   | certifications, and BLS card       |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | Stethoscope, for clinicians        |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | Flashlight and extra batteries.    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | Lock for duffel bag                |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | 14 day supply of prescription      |
|   |                           |   | medications                        |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | Driver's license personal/military |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | Watch (black/water-proof)          |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   | Sleeping Bag                       |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
| # |                           |   |                                    |
| # |                           |   |                                    |
| # |                           |   |                                    |
| # |                           |   |                                    |
| # |                           |   |                                    |
| # |                           |   |                                    |
|   |                           |   |                                    |
| L |                           |   |                                    |
| N |                           |   |                                    |
| O |                           |   |                                    |
|   |                           |   |                                    |
| o |                           |   |                                    |
| r |                           |   |                                    |
|   |                           |   |                                    |
| A |                           |   |                                    |
| D |                           |   |                                    |
| M |                           |   |                                    |
| I |                           |   |                                    |
| N |                           |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | File Folders -- Empty     |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Journal -- Blank (I.e.    |   |                                    |
|   | Spiral notebook)          |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Post-it-Notes, small,     |   |                                    |
|   | med, large                |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Tape -- Scotch, Duct      |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Stapler                   |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | High-liter                |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Magic marker              |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Pens                      |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Paper Clips               |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Scissors                  |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Staple remover            |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Phone massage pad         |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Staples                   |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   | Three-hole Punch          |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+
|   |                           |   |                                    |
+---+---------------------------+---+------------------------------------+

## Other Items

+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Soap, in plastic container     | Poncho, Rain                        |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Shampoo, unscented             | Hand cream                          |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Shaving Kit                    | Handkerchiefs/Bandanas              |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Deodorant, unscented           | Lip balm                            |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Scissors                       | Tissues (several small packs)       |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Insect Repellent               | Toilet paper                        |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Sunscreen                      | Toothpaste/brush/dental             |
|                                | floss/mouthwash                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Shower shoes/flip flops        | Baby wipes, hand sanitizer, or      |
|                                | alcohol rubbing pads                |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Comb/Hairbrush                 | Leatherman/multi-use knife          |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Foot powder                    | Sunglasses, military type           |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| > Flashlight (black or green)  | Extra new batteries                 |
| >                              |                                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| > [1 to 3 days'                | 1 day's water requirement           |
| > rations/food](h              |                                     |
| ttp://ccrf.hhs.gov/ccrf/#food) |                                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| First aid kit and first aid    | Matches in a waterproof container.  |
| manual.                        |                                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| > Aspirin/Tylenol              | A portable, battery-powered radio   |
| >                              | or television and extra batteries   |
| >   Antihistamines             |                                     |
| >                              |                                     |
| >   Imodium (anti-diarrhea)    |                                     |
| >                              |                                     |
|                                |                                     |
|   Antacids                     |                                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Extra prescription eyeglasses  | Ziploc bags                         |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Sewing kit**\--**to fix those  | Laundry bag                         |
| unpredictable clothing         |                                     |
| problems                       |                                     |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+
| Towel large and small.         | Mirror (unbreakable)                |
+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------+

![](media/image2.wmf)

**[Other Valuable Information]{.underline}**

-   Look confident. Dress professionally and modestly, with valuables
    out of sight.

-   Use lockable luggage and label it discreetly so that your name and
    address are not easily seen. Also, keep a copy of your U.S. address
    and phone number inside the luggage.

-   Carry your passport and a photocopy of your passport. Keep copy in a
    separate location.

-   Leave copies of your passport and itinerary with your travel
    personnel and your emergency contact at home.

-   Carry a copy of your immunization record if traveling overseas.

-   Leave your planned itinerary with a responsible person in country.

-   Carry a list of emergency names, addresses, and phone numbers, and,
    where relevant, the names of reputable hotels on your route.

-   Carry a personal alarm (such as a whistle) and a phone card or local
    coins. Sit near other people. If you must carry a handbag, hold it
    in front of you.

-   During long flights, greater than six hours, walk around and stretch
    to avoid swelling. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

-   Within reason, avoid accepting food or drink from strangers in
    unofficial settings or when not accompanied by your counterparts.

-   Consider a cell phone and keep it pre-programmed with emergency
    numbers for the local embassy or consulate security office.

# [Safety in Hotels]{.underline}

-   Ask for a room between the second and seventh floors, avoiding the
    top floor. These floors minimize unwanted access from outside the
    building, yet are within reach of most fire-fighting personnel in
    the event of a fire.

-   Examine the room, including closets, bathrooms, beds, and window
    areas for anything that appears suspicious, including hidden
    intruders.

-   Note the evacuation route in case of fire or emergency. Consider
    checking the pathway to be sure that it is clear and unlocked.

-   Always secure doors when inside your room, using locks and security
    chains.

-   Be alert to the possibility of being followed to your room.

-   If you are followed closely, do not initiate entry into your room,
    move toward other people, and initiate discussion or ask for help.

-   Check to be sure that the telephone is working properly.

-   Keep room curtains closed during hours of darkness.

-   Do not open the door to callers (including hotel staff) unless each
    caller has been identified. When in doubt (i.e. you did not make a
    request) call the front desk and confirm.

-   Always use safety deposit boxes for the storage of cash, traveler's
    checks, airline tickets, and any other important documents. Do not
    leave valuables in your room.

-   Do not state your room number, or let others do so, in a public
    place.

-   Consult with hotel security staff, about safe routes, or areas to
    avoid, before venturing out or going for a jog or a walk.

##### Safety in Vehicles 

-   Wear seat belts.

-   Notify others of your travel time and destination, and steps they
    should take in the event you do not arrive as scheduled.

-   Avoid traveling at night when possible.

-   Keep doors locked.

-   Keep a minimum number of windows open (no more than 5 cm and only
    those windows near occupied seats).

-   Car-jackings are increasing worldwide. If driving, always plan an
    urgent escape route (leave adequate space for rapid escape in front
    and back and sides) should you detect a potential car-jacking before
    the attack. Indicators that you are being targeted include: being
    followed for too long by the same vehicle or more than one vehicle,
    sudden movements of vehicles to the front of yours to block your
    progress, or the vehicle in front of you suddenly braking for no
    apparent reason.

-   If it is too late, and a perpetrator has approached the vehicle and
    threatened you, surrender the vehicle, move slowly, and explain your
    movements as you make them. Do as you are told.

-   If you are in a high-risk city for an extended period, consider
    asking the embassy if there are prearranged safety centers and
    points within the city. These are often established in high-risk
    cities to provide assistance when away from the embassy. Should you
    be suspicious that you are being followed or targeted, you have the
    option of proceeding to the nearest safe haven. Cell phones have
    saved lives in these situations. Keep emergency numbers
    pre-programmed in cell phone when traveling, and keep the battery
    charged.

##### Safety on Foot

-   Try to always walk or jog with at least one other companion.

-   Be aware of your surroundings. Consult a local street map before
    stepping out and bring it with you. Avoid checking a map in the open
    street.

-   Seek reliable advice on areas considered safe for walking. Always
    avoid groups of people loitering on the streets.

-   Avoid walking too close to shrubbery, dark doorways, and other
    places of concealment.

-   Use routes through well-lit and well-traveled city centers; avoid
    lower-income urban areas and parks.

-   Do not assume that an area is safe to walk around, especially after
    dark.

-   Maintain a low profile and avoid disputes or commotions in the
    streets.

-   Never hitchhike or accept a ride from a stranger.

-   If a driver pulls alongside you to ask for directions, do not
    approach the vehicle. Be cautious when asked to "look at this map."

-   If you must carry a handbag, carry it in a secure manner to prevent
    snatch-and-run thievery.

-   Carry a small amount of cash in your wallet, enough to appease a
    mugger. Keep the rest in your safe (or in a separate secure place on
    your person if you have to). Remember, credit cards can be easily
    canceled -- surrender your valuables without resistance.

-   Avoid wearing jewelry and expensive watches.

##### Security/ Robbery and Armed Assault

If you are directly threatened by an armed person:

-   Never take physical risks in defense of property or money.

-   Keep your hands clearly visible (in a car, keep them on the steering
    wheel).

-   Remain calm and demonstrate personal composure.

-   Do not be aggressive. Do not try to escape.

-   Move slowly with precise gestures. Speak quietly and distinctly.

-   Identify yourself.

-   If in a group, do not talk among yourselves more than is necessary,
    particularly if you are speaking a language not understood by your
    assailants.

-   Do what you are told within reason.

-   Kidnapping is an important concern in some parts of the world. If
    you have a security briefing at the embassy or consulate in country
    (advisable), ask the staff if kidnapping is a particular concern. If
    so, seek any special advice for the use of resistance in this unique
    circumstance. It is often stated that (depending on the
    circumstances) there is a narrow window of opportunity for potential
    escape at the initiation of a kidnapping attempt using the potential
    assistance around you at that time. However, this is not uniformly
    advisable, and planning should include local considerations. Ask.

**[Health]{.underline}**

-   Avoid eating lettuce and other products that have been rinsed in
    local water sources.

-   Only eat fruits and vegetables that can be peeled.

-   Avoid drinks containing ice.

-   Use bottled water or water treated with iodine tablets and/or
    boiling and purification. Ensure that the bottled water is from a
    reliable source (consult with embassy clinic) and that the cap is
    sealed. For all beverages, open the cap yourself or insure it is
    secure before opened for you.

-   Maintain good hygiene and hand-washing techniques.

-   Take skin wound care seriously in the tropics and use antibiotic
    ointments to avoid more serious infections.

-   Consider vitamin supplements if you are noticing a reduction in
    access to essential nutrients.

-   Avoid contact with animals, within reason for your assignment. If
    any animal bites you, seek immediate health care assistance.

-   Only eat well-cooked meat or fish.

-   Use bed nets and prophylactic medications as recommended.