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Military life moves quickly, with deployments, relocations, and unexpected changes always on the horizon. That’s why to “plan my will while I am on active duty” is more than just a legal decision—it’s a crucial act of preparation. Creating a will ensures your wishes are clear and your loved ones are protected if something happens. In a career filled with uncertainty, having a will gives you peace of mind and control over your future, no matter where duty calls.
Service Comes With Risk
No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, but the reality of military life makes that possibility impossible to ignore. Training accidents, deployment, and combat increase the chances of injury or death compared to civilian jobs. The military encourages service members to prepare for these risks, and creating a will is a critical part of that preparation.
What a Will Actually Does
A will is a legal document that outlines what happens to your assets, property, and responsibilities after you pass away. It helps avoid confusion and family disputes and gives you control over who receives what. It also allows you to name guardians for your children, choose someone to manage your estate, and even leave instructions for funeral preferences.
Without a will, state laws decide how your estate gets handled. That process rarely reflects your personal wishes.
Active Duty Members Have Unique Needs
Frequent Moves and Uncertainty
Military families relocate often, and not all states follow the same probate or inheritance laws. If you pass away without a will, your loved ones may face legal delays or confusion, especially if assets or property are spread across different states.
A will clarifies your wishes in writing and stands up in any court. It reduces the legal burden on your spouse, parents, or children during a difficult time.
Combat Deployments
Going on deployment often triggers military paperwork: power of attorney, life insurance, next-of-kin updates. Including a will in this process adds another level of protection.
Combat zones increase exposure to danger. If something happens, your loved ones should not have to fight over your assets or guess what you would have wanted.
Protecting Your Family’s Future
You Control What Happens to Your Children
If you have kids, your will lets you name guardians to care for them if you and your spouse both pass away. Without a written will, the court will choose a guardian. It may not be the person you would have picked.
You Decide Who Gets What
Without a will, family members might argue about your personal belongings, military awards, or savings. You can name exact beneficiaries for specific items, so there’s no doubt or disagreement.
You Appoint the Right Person to Handle Your Affairs
Your will allows you to name an executor. This person will manage your estate, pay debts, and distribute property. Choosing someone you trust helps avoid conflict and delays.
It Gives Your Loved Ones Peace of Mind
Losing a family member is hard enough. If you die without a will, your family may face court battles, tax issues, or custody disputes. These problems delay closure and increase stress during grief. A clear, signed will simplifies the process and allows your loved ones to focus on healing instead of legal paperwork.
Wills Can Address Military-Specific Benefits
Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Your SGLI provides a large payout to your named beneficiary. However, your will can include instructions for how you’d like that money used—such as paying off a mortgage, setting up a college fund, or supporting an elderly parent.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
This government retirement account lets you name a beneficiary, but your will can guide how those funds are managed after death. If your children are underage, a trust within your will can hold those funds for them until they reach adulthood.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
Your will can work alongside your SBP election to clarify who receives monthly income and under what conditions.
Military Legal Support Makes It Easy
Service members have access to free legal services on base. You don’t need to hire an outside attorney or pay out of pocket. Military legal offices regularly draft wills and other estate documents for active-duty personnel and their spouses.
These professionals understand the structure of military life and help you build a plan that meets both civilian and military requirements. They can help you update documents after life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
A Will Can Support Your Non-Military Family
Non-Spouse Partners
If you live with a long-term partner but aren’t married, they won’t automatically inherit anything unless you include them in your will. Military benefits often go only to legal spouses, so a will fills in those gaps.
Estranged or Divorced Family Members
If you want to exclude certain relatives or control how much they receive, your will lets you do that. State laws divide assets among next of kin, which might include family members you no longer speak to. Without a will, those people may still receive a share of your estate.
It Helps You Take Control of Your Story
People often associate wills with death, but writing one is about living with intention. It means taking control, protecting your family, and making sure your values guide decisions—even if you’re not there to make them.
You don’t need to be old or wealthy to create a will. Military life proves that plans can change instantly. A will doesn’t take long to create, and once you have it, you can update it as your life evolves.
What Should You Include in a Basic Will?
- A list of assets (bank accounts, personal items, property)
- Names of beneficiaries
- A chosen executor
- Guardianship instructions for minor children
- Special instructions for military benefits or personal requests
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing to plan your will while I am on active duty is a responsible and empowering decision. It provides clarity during uncertainty, ensures your loved ones are protected, and gives you control over how your assets and responsibilities are handled. Military life comes with unique risks and constant change, making it all the more important to have your affairs in order. By taking this step now, you give yourself and your family the peace of mind that comes from being prepared—no matter what the future holds.
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