Pre-Deployment Section Readiness

Why Pre-Deployment Section Readiness Matters

Per MCRAMM Chapter 10 and MCAP Enclosure 3, deployment success depends on members arriving ready. As section leader, you ensure this happens.

A Marine who reports for deployment unable to deploy.

• Wastes mobilization slot
• Disrupts unit timeline
• Creates additional admin burden
• May trigger involuntary actions

Your section readiness work prevents these problems.

Five Readiness Domains

Per MCRAMM Chapter 10.

Medical Readiness

• Current PHA (annual)
• Class 1 or Class 2 dental status
• Current immunizations
• No deployment-limiting medical conditions
• Specific deployment medications addressed

Dental Readiness

• Class 1 (no treatment needed) or Class 2 (treatment can wait)
• Class 3 conditions blocked deployment
• Treatment current

Administrative Readiness

• Current MCTFS data
• Current dependent data and DEERS enrollment
• Current SGLI election (recommended max coverage)
• Current RED with valid contacts
• Member personal records current
• Will and power of attorney updated

Training Readiness

• MOS qualification current
• Required training complete (SAPR, INFOSEC, specific deployment training)
• PFT and CFT scores current
• Annual rifle qualification current
• Specific MOS training requirements met

Family Readiness

• Family Care Plan if applicable
• Family briefed on deployment possibility
• Family support resources identified
• Member's family contact information current

Performance Steps

Step 1 - Receive Mobilization Notice

When unit gets alerted.

• Identify members in alert
• Establish timeline
• Begin section preparation

Step 2 - Audit Each Marine

For each Marine in your section.

• Pull MCTFS readiness data
• Cross-check with MyMedical or equivalent
• Identify specific gaps per domain
• Document gaps

Step 3 - Address Gaps

For each identified gap.

• Medical: Schedule appointments, address conditions
• Dental: Schedule treatment for Class 3
• Administrative: Update records, file documents
• Training: Complete required training
• Family: Coordinate Family Care Plan

Step 4 - Track to Closure

Establish tracking for each Marine.

Update weekly.

Step 5 - Verify Final Readiness

Before reporting date.

• All gaps closed
• Each Marine cleared
• Documentation complete
• Brief commander on section status

Step 6 - Brief Commander

Periodic readiness reports.

• Section ready vs not-ready members
• Specific gaps remaining
• Specific recommendations
• Resource needs

Domain-Specific Coaching

Medical Coaching

For Marines with medical needs.

• Brief on MTF appointment process
• Coordinate Reserve Health Readiness Program
• Specific civilian provider coordination if needed
• Track to completion

Dental Coaching

For Marines in Class 3.

• Brief on Reserve Dental Care for deployment
• TDP enrollment if not enrolled
• Specific treatment coordination
• Track to Class 1 or Class 2

Administrative Coaching

For Marines with admin gaps.

• Walk through specific updates needed
• Coordinate with S-1 for processing
• Specific document requirements
• Verify completion

Training Coaching

For Marines missing training.

• Identify specific gaps
• Coordinate completion options
• AT or specific training periods
• Track to completion

Family Coaching

For Marines requiring FCP.

• Brief on FCP requirements
• Identify caregiver
• Coordinate documentation
• Verify completion

Family Care Plan Coordination

Per Marine Corps policy, specific Marines need Family Care Plan.

Who Needs FCP

• Single parent
• Dual-military couple
• Specific other family situations

FCP Components

• Caregiver identified
• Care arrangements during mobilization
• Financial arrangements
• Specific contingency plans

Your Coaching Role

• Identify Marines requiring FCP
• Brief on requirements
• Coordinate completion
• Verify documentation

Common Section Readiness Issues

PHA Overdue

Marine's annual PHA overdue.

• Schedule promptly
• Coordinate MTF or provider
• Track to completion

Class 3 Dental

Marine in Class 3 status.

• Coordinate treatment
• Reserve Dental Care if needed
• Track until Class 1 or Class 2

Required Training Gaps

Marine missing required training.

• Identify gaps (SAPR, INFOSEC, specific training)
• Coordinate completion
• Online vs in-person options

Admin Gaps

Marine's records out of date.

• Specific items to update
• Coordinate via S-1
• Verify completion

Family Issues

Marine's family situation creating concerns.

• Specific support resources
• Family Readiness Officer engagement
• Specific accommodations

Member's Personal Affairs

Marine without will or power of attorney.

• Coordinate with legal services
• Specific personal affairs preparation
• Member acknowledges

Pre-Deployment Counseling

Specific counseling for each Marine.

Initial Brief

When mobilization announced.

• Mobilization details
• Timeline expectations
• Specific preparation needed
• Family briefing required

Mid-Prep Check-In

Approximately 30 days into prep.

• Status of gap closure
• Specific concerns
• Family preparation
• Personal affairs

Final Pre-Reporting Brief

Just before reporting.

• All gaps closed
• Family briefed
• Personal affairs ready
• Specific final coordination

Section-Level Tracker

Maintain comprehensive readiness tracker.

Update weekly. Brief commander.

Coordination Touchpoints

Section readiness touches.

• MTF: For medical and dental
• Reserve Health Readiness Program: Reserve-specific medical
• S-1 admin: For admin updates
• Career Planner: For training coordination
• Family Readiness Officer: For family programs
• Legal Services: For will and POA
• Commander: For section readiness briefings

Common Pre-Deployment Pitfalls

Late Notification

Marines learn of mobilization too late.

• Maximize available time
• Prioritize critical gaps
• Coordinate with command on extensions

Family Surprise

Family unaware of deployment possibility.

• Brief Marine to brief family
• Family Readiness Officer engagement
• Specific family resources

Specific Marine Unwilling

Marine doesn't want to deploy.

• Specific procedures
• SJA coordination if needed
• Specific consequences

Resource Constraints

Limited resources for medical or dental.

• Prioritize critical gaps
• Specific resource coordination
• Coordinate with command

Related Roles

Section readiness affects every level.

• Marines maintain personal readiness across five domains.
• Admin at I&I and PAC processes administrative actions.
• Commanders receive section readiness briefings and make decisions.

Your section's readiness is the unit's readiness.