KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Military Family Care Plans are a crucial requirement for Air Force Reserve members who have dependents and may be called to active duty.
“Having a solid Family Care Plan is just as important as packing your mobility bag,” said Master Sgt. Jared Bryant, 403rd Wing resiliency integrator. “It’s about being ready—not just for the mission, but for your family. You can’t focus downrange if you’re worried about things at home.”
Air Force Instruction 36-2908, which governs family care plans, states that military members who are single parents, part of a dual-military couple with children, or responsible for other dependents are required to establish a Family Care Plan. It applies to any situation where the absence of a service member could impact the well-being of those in their care.
Bryant said that Family Care Plans are more than a paperwork requirement—they are vital for mission readiness and peace of mind.
These plans ensure that service members have a solid, written strategy in place to care for their loved ones—such as children, elderly parents, or other dependents—during times of deployment, mobilization, or extended training, according to AFI 36-2908.
From a legal perspective, the importance of these plans can't be overstated. “A Family Care Plan is a legal safeguard, a strong, well-documented plan helps maintain unit effectiveness and protects the welfare of families at home,” said Lt. Col. Lauren Rosenblatt, 403rd Wing staff judge advocate. “It ensures guardianship, medical care authorization, and financial provisions are clearly documented—protecting both the service member and their dependents.”
“Having a plan and being prepared ensures military members can fulfill their duties without worrying about the safety and care of their dependents,” said Bryant.
During unit training assemblies, legal advisors can help with required documentation such as powers of attorney, guardianship paperwork, and notary services, according to Rosenblatt.
“Service members can review information needed ahead of time and make the process smoother by logging in to
https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil and completing a Legal Worksheet,” said Rosenblatt. “Save the ticket number, and yes capitalization matters, then bring it to 403rd Wing judge advocate office during operating hours, generally between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday of the unit training assembly.”