1. Riverine Squadron TWO
Family Preparedness Brief
14 October 2011
Updated 17 Oct 11

2. UNCLASSIFIED
Operations Security (OPSEC)
UNCLASSIFIED

3. UNCLASSIFIED
Operations Security (OPSEC)
Operation Security is vital to mission accomplishment and the well-
being and safety of Riverines and their loved ones
Every person in this room needs to be able to:
1. Understand what type of information is CRITICAL
2. Identify threats to risks to security
3. Apply countermeasures to operational risks
OPSEC deals with controlling
unclassified information!
UNCLASSIFIED LT Eduardo Vargas eduardo.vargas@navy.mil (757) 462-1876

4. UNCLASSIFIED
Facebook and Social Networking
• Use it, love it, don’t forget OPSEC
• The threat is real:
– Dec. 2009 Al- Qaeda call for their members to monitor what we say about
ourselves, our units and our families online in order to gather intelligence.
– “Information on every U.S. Naval unit should be quietly gathered… their ranks,
what state they are from, their family situation, and where their family members
live… …search for the easiest ways of striking these ships….
• Things to avoid:
– My sailor, son, daughter… etc is deployed/headed to XYZ
– “ “ is coming back in May/X amount of days
– “ “ is returning via ship/airport/bus
– Detailed personnel information
– Address, telephone numbers, schedules
– Unit morale, results of operations, off-duty hangouts
BEST PRACTICE: Talk about events that have happened not that will happen,
unless that information has been released to the media. Otherwise, don’t provide
specific details!
UNCLASSIFIED LT Eduardo Vargas eduardo.vargas@navy.mil (757) 462-1876

5. UNCLASSIFIED
Smartphones and Geotagging
• Process of adding geographical
identification to photographs, video,
websites and SMS messages.
– The equivalent of adding a map to
everything you post on the internet
• Geotags are automatically embedded in
pictures taken with smartphones.
• Many people are unaware of the fact
that the photos they take with their
smartphones and load to the internet
have been geotagged.
Uncheck, when
• Do you know how to check not needed
devices and photographs
for metadata?
UNCLASSIFIED LT Eduardo Vargas eduardo.vargas@navy.mil (757) 462-1876

6. UNCLASSIFIED
Example of Geotagging
• Adam Savage, host of the popular
science program “Mythbusters,”
posted a picture on Twitter of his
automobile parked in front of his
house that was geotagged.
• Geotagging revealed exactly where
he lives
UNCLASSIFIED LT Eduardo Vargas eduardo.vargas@navy.mil (757) 462-1876

7. UNCLASSIFIED
7 Security Tips for Smartphones
• Install anti-virus software, and keep it updated.
• Use a PIN code or pattern lock on your phone.
• Turn off geotagging, or turn off photo auto-
uploads.
• Avoid location "check-ins."
• Don't store passwords on the phone.
• Enable remote 'wiping' of data.
• Encrypt public Wi-Fi transmissions.
UNCLASSIFIED LT Eduardo Vargas eduardo.vargas@navy.mil (757) 462-1876

8. UNCLASSIFIED
Location Based Social Networking Applications
• Foursquare, Facebook Places, Gowalla, SCVNGR
• Growing in popularity, a variety of applications are capitalizing on
users desire to broadcast their geographic location
• Applications focus on various locations to earn points, badges,
discounts and other geo-related awards
• Exposes places of duty, home, and after work activities, and
establishes patterns
UNCLASSIFIED LT Eduardo Vargas eduardo.vargas@navy.mil (757) 462-1876

9. UNCLASSIFIED
RIVRON TWO Facebook Page
• Check in on our
new Facebook page
to see deployment
updates, stories,
and news!
• Preferred method
of following your
family members
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Riverine-Squadron-Two/123218297782973
UNCLASSIFIED LT Eduardo Vargas eduardo.vargas@navy.mil (757) 462-1876

10. UNCLASSIFIED
OPSEC Resources
• http://www.facebook.com/NavalOPSEC
• U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) ‐‐ Social Networking OPSEC
Training
• Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Norfolk ‐‐ Social
Networking OPSEC Brief
• MCPON to Sailors: Be Smart about Online Threats
• The Basics: Protecting Personal and DoD Information
• Navy Information Operations Command website
• CHINFO Social Media Resources Page
UNCLASSIFIED LT Eduardo Vargas eduardo.vargas@navy.mil (757) 462-1876

11. UNCLASSIFIED
OPSEC Conclusion
• Tagging photos with an exact location on the internet allows
anybody to track an individual’s location and correlate it with
other information.
• Location based networking apps can expose places of duty, home,
after work activities, and establishes patterns .
• What should you do if you identify information online that risks
OPSEC?
– Record and archive the information and remove it if possible.
– Notify your command of any potential OPSEC violation.
– Inform the individual of the OPSEC violation. Use this as a teachable
moment and provide him/her with OPSEC best practices and resources so
they don’t repeat this mistake.
UNCLASSIFIED LT Eduardo Vargas eduardo.vargas@navy.mil (757) 462-1876

12. UNCLASSIFIED
Communication Discussion
CMDCM John Lees (CMC)
UNCLASSIFIED

13. UNCLASSIFIED
Communications Discussion
• Communications between the various support nets
are in place:
– OMBUDSMAN
– FRG
– Command Leadership
– CHAPLAIN
– Friends at the command
– Etc.
• KEY POINT IS TO COMMUNICATE NEEDS/ISSUES
with RIVRON TWO!
UNCLASSIFIED

14. UNCLASSIFIED
OMBUDSMAN
Mrs. Micah O’Shields
UNCLASSIFIED

15. Appointed by the Commanding Officer, the members of your Ombudsman
Team are spouses of service members within the command. As official
command representatives, they are a point of contact for all family members
connected to the command - including spouses, parents, and extended
family members.
The Ombudsman Code of Ethics guarantees professionalism and
confidentiality, within program guidelines.
Ombudsmen are a key resource for family members, staying up to date on
military and civilian programs that can help families solve a variety of
problems. When you aren’t sure who to call, call your Ombudsman. They
can help answer your questions or point you in the right direction so you
and your family can get the assistance you need.
Here are a few examples of when to call your ombudsman:
Resource & Referral
Marital Difficulties
Financial Matters
At Risk Pregnancy
Births
General Information on the Riverines

16. Monday thru Friday 7am to 6pm via
email at: rivron2ombudsman@aol.com
I will check this during the day often.
I do work fulltime and am unable to have my cell
phone will not work in the building.
After 6pm weekdays and weekends via
telephone at 757-390-6601 or email
rivron2ombudsman@aol.com
I ask that you do not call after 9:30 p.m.
any night unless it is a true emergency.
Email is ALWAYS the best way to reach
me.

17. Please fill this out
and send to
OMBUDSMAN!
If you need a
copy, just call or
email!

18. UNCLASSIFIED
Family Readiness Group (FRG)
Mrs. Cara Ledsinger (President)
UNCLASSIFIED

19. UNCLASSIFIED
Family Readiness Group
• The FRG is a private organization, closely affiliated with the
command, comprised of family members and friends, Sailors,
and civilians associated with the command and its personnel,
who support the flow of information, and provide practical tools
for adjusting to Navy deployments and separations.
• The RIVRON 2 FRG’s help plan and coordinate informational,
care-taking, morale building, and social activities to enhance
command preparedness.
• Frequent updates and upcoming fun or informational events are
distributed mostly by email.
• To get on the FRG distro list, please email Cara at:
rivron2frg@yahoo.com
UNCLASSIFIED

20. UNCLASSIFIED
Fleet and Family Services
UNCLASSIFIED

21. Deployment Readiness
Susan Presnell
757-462-7563
susan.presnell.ctr@navy.mil
Fleet and Family Support Program

22. Readiness Goals
Provide ideas and suggestions for deployment
readiness and preparation
Identify normal emotions and reactions to
deployment
Review coping strategies and support information
Cover Resources for Service Members and Families

23. Practical Preparations
Paperwork:
• Page 2
• ID cards
• SGLI
• Wills
• Powers of Attorney
• Passports
Home and Vehicle:
• Repairs and maintenance
• Insurance
• Registration / Base Stickers
• Storage
• Pets 23

24. Financial Readiness
• Develop a „Spending Plan‟
• Determine who & how to pay bills
• Set savings goals
• Manage Credit Cards
• Taxes
• “My pay”
• NMCRS
24

25. Service Member’s
Personal Readiness
 Uniforms and accessories
 Civilian clothing
 “Health and Comfort” items
 Relax items
 Special occasions
25

26. Emotional Readiness
 Anticipation of Loss
 Detachment & Withdrawal
 Emotional Disorganization
 Stabilization
 Anticipation of Homecoming
Your feelings may change from
one minute to the next

27. Coping Strategies
• Be “ready to deploy”
• Educate about schedules
• Reassure each other
• Establish new routines now
• Spend quality time together
• Meet command members
• Develop a support network
• Start planning for home coming!
• Communicate!

28. Maintain Communication
E-mail
• Remember it’s not always available
Phone Calls
• Commercial / Cellular / DSN
SKYPE
Set it up before you leave
Regular Mail
• Send letters, pictures and care packages
• USPS Free mailing supplies
ALWAYS remember OPSEC –
Get Them Home Safe & Stay Safe at Home! 28

29. Handling Emergencies
 Contact information-INFO Card
 Ombudsman- (ICE on cell phone)
 American Red Cross
 Navy Marine Corp Relief Society
 NFAAS-Navy Family Accountability &
Assessment System
 Be sensitive to emails
& phone calls

30. Helping Children Cope
 Know age-appropriate reactions.
 Communicate feelings–validate theirs.
 Discuss separation, deployment
and expectations.
 Maintain routines, traditions and
structure.
 Help them measure time.
 Comfort items.
 United Through Reading.
30

31. Deployment Opportunities
 4-6 weeks prior
 2 weeks prior
 D-Day
 Set goals
 Maintain a positive attitude, take
care of yourself
 Start a plan for Home Coming 
31

32. Navy Spouses –”I have learned that..
During deployment, the brakes on the car
go out; I grocery shopping for two areas
of the world, and my friends become my
family. Some people really do care, and some
people really don’t, and it isn’t always who
you thought it would be; and your eyebrows
WILL grow back after you have lit the grill for
the first time.” 32

33. Support System
 Chain of Command
 Chaplain
 Ombudsman
 Family Readiness Officer/
Support Group
 Friends and family
 Church
 COMPASS www.gocompass.org
 Military 1 Source militaryonesource.com
1-800-342-9647 33

34. Fleet & Family Support
Programs
• Deployment Services
• Parenting Education / New parent support
• Financial Programs
• Life Skills
• Relocation Assistance
• Employment Assistance
• Clinical Counseling
• Community and Military Resources
444-NAVY or 1-800-FSC-LINE
Little Creek 757-462-7563
www.cnic.navy.mil/navylifema 34

35. RESOURCES
Navy-Marine Corps Relief
Society (NMCRS)
www.nmcrs.org
1-757-462-1596
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
1-877-272-7337
35

36. UNCLASSIFIED
Families During Deployment
LT Brian Hill (Chaplain)
UNCLASSIFIED

37. Key Considerations for
Family Readiness
• Emergency Care Arrangements
• Communication
• Handling Stress/COSC: The Family
Element

38. Emergency Situations
Are You Ready?
• Legal, financial, etc.
• NMCRS Pre-Authorization Form
• Childcare Arrangements
– POAs
• Loco Parentis
• Childcare
– Navy Family Care Plan
• Even if not “required”, a great model to make sure all the
bases are covered
• OPNAV 1740.4D
– Especially the checklist enclosure

39. Childcare Arrangements
Important Thoughts
• You never know what may happen at any time?
• If you, as the spouse and primary caregiver, become
incapacitated, what happens?
– Yes, your spouse MAY get to come home, but how long does that take?
– In the absence of arrangements, it is very possible that children would
go to social services for care.
• Don’t just make the arrangements, make sure someone
knows the arrangements.
– Who can pick up kids from school?
– Who has authority to make medical decisions, for them and you?
• Don’t be an island…make sure someone would notice if
something happened to you.

40. Communication
How to Stay Connected
• Have a plan
– Make it your plan – what works for others may or may
not work for you
– If it works for you, great; if it doesn’t, be willing to
modify it if necessary
• Methods
– E-mail…Blessing and Curse
– Skype…see above regarding e-mails
– Pre-recorded videos
– UTR/Children’s story recordings

41. Operational and Family Stress:
Management and Resiliency
• Our Riverines are not the only ones who are
impacted by Operational Stress, Riverine Families are
impacted as well.
• In addition, there are all the added stressors of
maintaining day to day life with half the manpower.
• Family members can notice, and be impacted by,
stress reactions of their loved ones
• Family members react to their own stresses in similar
ways

42. The Operational Stress Continuum

43. Stress Reaction Characteristics

44. The Family Stress Continuum

45. What Do I Do?
• Be aware of the signs
– If you see them in yourself, reach out for help
– If you see them in others around you, support
them in getting help
– If you see them in your Riverine, call:
• Chaplain
– LT Hill 757-284-6664
– LCDR Ryan 757-617-0971
• Ombudsman
• Command Representative

46. What Do I Do?
• Routine will help
– Expect to establish a new normal
– Accept that things will not be the same
• Know What to expect emotionally
– Emotional Cycle of Deployment
• Pre-deployment (varies)
• Deployment (1st month)
• Sustainment (months 2 thru 5)
• Re-deployment (last month)
• Post-deployment (3-6 months after deployment)

47. What Do I Do?
• Maintain Connectedness
– Spouse
• Gone, but not forgotten
• Communication points highlighted earlier
• Tips for children to follow a little later in the brief
– Family Members, if supportive
– Friends
– Formal Support
• FRG
• Command Family Events
• Fleet & Family

48. Final Thoughts
• You will not think of everything beforehand,
accept it!
• You will not handle everything perfectly,
forgive it!
• You will get through it, believe it!!!

49. UNCLASSIFIED
Families OverComing Under Stress
(FOCUS)
UNCLASSIFIED

50. What is the FOCUS Program?
 Resiliency training for military families with
children
 Helps families cope with challenges of:
 Multiple-deployment stress
 Physically or psychologically-injured
service member
 Free & Confidential
 Offered at family-friendly
hours

51. FOCUS Services

• Skill building groups for children, parents, and families
• Educational workshops and community outreach
• Consultations
• FOCUS World- online resiliency training at www.focusworld.org

52. FOCUS World
•Learn new ways to manage feelings
•View videos that model effective ways to
address common family challenges
•Download parenting tips and activities
•Create a timeline to share important memories
with each other
•Chat with family members in a secure space

53. UNCLASSIFIED
Command Facebook Page
ITC James Firkins (Comms Leading Chief)
UNCLASSIFIED

54. UNCLASSIFIED
Command Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/RIVRON2
• A Riverine Squadron TWO presence in cyberspace!
• Purpose:
– Connect Riverines past and present with each other and professional &
personal organizations.
– Update families on official command information and events.
– Communicate Family Readiness Group (FRG) sponsored events and
support family interaction.
– Support incoming Riverines.
– Be a repository of unit and personal pride.
• Ensure we practice good OPSEC.

55. UNCLASSIFIED
Command Facebook Page
UNCLASSIFIED

56. UNCLASSIFIED
Command Facebook Page
What can you do as a user?
• Read and follow posted links from RIVRON2 and other “liked” pages.
• Post to the RIVRON2 Wall.
• Forward photographs to the site administrators to be posted.
•james.firkins@navy.mil
•alvin.faircloth@navy.mil
• Administrators will verify Photo is appropriate and remove any geo-tagging
before posting. You will then be “tagged” in the photo unless otherwise
requested.
UNCLASSIFIED

57. UNCLASSIFIED
Command Facebook Page
OPSEC
 Check out the Army checklist on the
left for more details. It can also be
found on the Slideshare site.
http://slidesha.re/cjFKx1 (link can be
found on the RIVRON2 facebook
page)
UNCLASSIFIED

58. UNCLASSIFIED
Command Facebook Page
Contact ITC James Firkins, RIVERINE SQUADRON TWO, N6
• james.firkins@navy.mil
•(757) 462-1892
• or message me on facebook!
UNCLASSIFIED

59. UNCLASSIFIED
Daddy Dolls
UNCLASSIFIED

60. Daddy Dolls
• Your picture is imprinted (special dye process)
into the fabric of a stuffed doll w/ optional
voice recorder and line of text
• Recommended by Child Psychologists
• Can help children cope with the stress of
separation/deployment
• Available in 3 sizes
– 12 inch; 17 inch; 3 feet(new)
• Processing time approx. 1-3 weeks; max 5 wks

61. How to Get Daddy Dolls
• Navy Exchange
– At last check, 30 kits with voice recorders available at
Personalized Services area at Little Creek NEX
– $34.99 for 17” doll w/recorder
– Mail off form, but recorder already in hand
• Website
– www.hugahero.com
– 12” – $23.95; 17” - $27.95
– Voice recorder - $7.00
• Photo guidelines and image resolution checker
available through the website.

62. Operation Hug-A-Hero®
• Operation Hug-A-Hero® provides the Hug-A-Hero®
dolls to families based on the following criteria (listed
in order of priority)
– Families of fallen heroes
– A family with a community services referral (e.g. Chaplain,
Family Services Coordinator, School Counselor, etc.)
– Children with special needs registered with the EFM
program
– Household income
– Number and age of children in household
– Date of deployment
– Length of deployment

63. Operation Hug-A-Hero
• Currently, we learn about families via email, telephone
requests, or the completion of one of our on-line
applications, selected from among the choices below and
based upon the most common scenarios which include:
★ Self-Referral – An application initiated by a family served by our
mission on behalf of his/her children
★ Personal Referral - A application initiated by a loved one or
family friend
★ Community Referral - An application initiated by a school
counselor, pastor, chaplain or family services professional
★ Workplace Referral – An application initiated by someone in
the chain of command or by someone in the recipient family’s
management circle (e.g. direct supervisor, Chief, employee
assistance program)

64. Other Options
• Other Hug-a-Hero items
– Buddies
– Dog Tags
– Blankets
– Pillows
• Build-a-Bear
• Any item that lets your child maintain a
connection to you in a special way.

65. UNCLASSIFIED
Deployed Pay Notes
YNC Rod Brown (Admin Officer)
UNCLASSIFIED

66. PAY AND ALLOWANCES
• Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay (HFP/IDP): $225 per month or part there of. Should
see changes in pay on Dec 1st payday.
• Combat Zone Exclusions (Tax Free): Deployed location is a Tax Free Area. All taxes except
for FICA and State will be credited. Should see changes on Dec 1st Payday.
•Family Separation Allowance: $250 per month or prorated for partial (day to day) after 31
consecutive days. Should see changes on Jan 1st Payday
•Please note that is it not just up to the Squadron to get these allowances and extra pays
started. The Squadron will inform PSD of the changes and PSD will pass this information
to DFAS.

67. PAY AND ALLOWANCES CON’T
• Per Diem is a daily allotment to reimburse service members for the out-of-pocket cost
of food, lodging and incidental expenses that occur while on military business or
temporary assigned duty (TDY or TAD) away from their home station. Per Diem sets the
limit to how much a service member can be reimbursed for meals and lodging. Per Diem
will be set at $124 a day while in country.
• Per Diem Cont: Per Diem is paid on a monthly basis. At the end of the month each
Riverine is responsible to submit a travel claim in order to be paid for the month past.
Additionally, each Riverine is responsible for assuring their GTCC is paid off each month in
order to carry a zero balance.

68. What is Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS)
Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) standardizes a
method for the Navy to account, manage, and monitor the recovery process
for personnel and their families affected and/or scattered by a wide-spread
catastrophic event. The NFAAS provides valuable information to all levels of
the Navy chain of command, allowing commanders to make strategic
decisions which facilitate a return to stability.
NFAAS allows Navy Personnel to do the following:
Report Accounting Status
Update Contact/Location information
View Reference Information

69. Use Username and
Password and click login

72. 1. Your
dependents
can either
Verify Info as
Current or
Edit their
info. All
dependents
who need to
be updated
must be
edited in this
screen.

73. UNCLASSIFIED
Medical Contacts
HQ or Detachment Medical
UNCLASSIFIED

74. UNCLASSIFIED
Naval Medical Installations Hampton RDs
Contact Numbers
All Emergencies call - 911
Key Point:
Tricare - 1-877-874-2273 or www.tricareonline.com If you need Medical
guidance while your
Routine Medical Appointments - 1-866-645-4524
spouse is deployed,
Naval Medical Center Portsmouth/Naval Hospital Portsmouth contact RIVRON 2
Emergency Room (757) 953-1365 Medical: (757)284-6661
Information (757) 953-5000
Customer Service Office (M-F; 0730-1600) (757) 953-2600 / 4560
Customer Service Help Desk (M-F; 0730-1600) (757) 953-9796
Patient Information (757) 953-5002
Visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcp for a complete listing of phone numbers and more information
regarding NMCP/naval Hospital Portsmouth and its off site Branch Clinics.
Off Site Branch Clinics
Boone Branch Health Clinic (757) 953-8351 Sewells Point Branch Health Clinic (757) 953-9000
Yorktown Branch Health Clinic (757) 953-8454 NNSY Branch Health Clinic (757) 386-3226
Oceana Branch Health Clinic (757) 953-3933 Dam Neck Branch Health Clinic (757) 953-9915
Tricare Prime Clinic Chesapeake (757) 953-6366 Tricare Prime Clinic Virginia Beach (757) 953-6708
NorthWest Branch Health Clinic (757) 953-6246 Tricare Prime Clinic NorthWest (757)953-6246
UNCLASSIFIED

75. UNCLASSIFIED
Storm Evasion
LCDR BARRETT
UNCLASSIFIED

76. Emergency/Disaster Response
• Ordered/Recommended Evacuations
– Update NFASS, call CDO and relay plans
– Command will assist with evacuations if required
• Hazardous Damage/Situations
– Call CDO, command will make every attempt to provide
vehicles/personnel to either evacuate or remove hazards
– Command can assist in coordinating temporary housing
• Maintain Communications
– Command representative will contact you following severe
weather or other disasters if you do not contact the
command
• Call if you need assistance with any emergency/situation
– Roadside assistance, household flooding, etc

77. UNCLASSIFIED
Deployment Day
LCDR BARRETT
UNCLASSIFIED

78. UNCLASSIFIED
Plan for Deployment Day
• Muster at Det Bldg: D-3.5 hours
– Bring carry-on items only
– Coffee/snacks/drinks provided
– Farewells
• Board Buses/depart for AMC Terminal: D-2.5
• Arrive AMC Terminal: D-2
– Proceed through security once at terminal
UNCLASSIFIED