What is the Savings Deposit Program (SDP) and how does it work?

SDP allows service members deployed to designated combat zones to deposit up to $10,000 and earn a guaranteed 10% annual interest rate. Interest accrues during deployment plus 90 days after leaving the combat zone. This is the highest guaranteed return available and significantly outperforms any commercial savings account.

What legal documents do I need before deployment?

Essential documents include: General Power of Attorney (POA) for financial and medical decisions, updated will, verified SGLI beneficiaries, marriage certificate and birth certificates (copies), and vehicle titles. Ensure your spouse knows all account passwords and has physical copies of all documents.

How do I access my money during deployment?

Set up allotments before deploying to automatically send money home. Ensure spouse has POA access to all accounts, debit cards, and online banking credentials. Most deployed locations have limited banking access, so pre-planning is critical.

What is combat zone tax exclusion (CZTE)?

CZTE exempts your pay from federal income tax while serving in designated combat zones. This significantly increases take-home pay during deployment. State taxes vary - some states also provide exemptions. CZTE also allows you to contribute more to Roth IRA using tax-free combat pay.

How often will I be able to communicate with my family?

Communication frequency varies widely by deployment location and mission. Some locations have daily internet/phone access, while others may have weekly or sporadic communication. Discuss realistic expectations before deploying and establish primary/backup communication methods (email, video calls, letters).

Deployment Guide - Complete Preparation, Financial Planning & Reintegration | Garrison Ledger

Deployment Cycle Phases

Before Deployment During Deployment Reintegration Financial Planning Legal Prep (POA)FAQs

Before Deployment: Preparation Phase

Legal Preparations

Power of Attorney (POA): Visit base legal to prepare Special or General POA (free for active duty)
Update will: Review beneficiaries and estate planning
SGLI review: Confirm $500K life insurance and beneficiaries current
Document copies: Birth certificates, passports, marriage certificate, medical records

Financial Setup

Set up allotments: Automate bill payments (rent, car, insurance)
Emergency fund: Build 3-6 months expenses before deploying
Joint accounts: Ensure spouse has access to all financial accounts
SCRA benefits: Contact creditors to reduce interest to 6% max on pre-service debts

SDP: The 10% Guaranteed Return

Savings Deposit Program - Military's Best-Kept Secret

What is SDP?

The Savings Deposit Program (SDP) allows service members deployed to designated combat zones to deposit up to $10,000 and earn a guaranteed 10% annual return.

This is risk-free, tax-free money - one of the best financial benefits available to deployed service members.

Eligibility & Rules

▸Must be deployed to designated combat zone for 30+ consecutive days
▸Maximum deposit: $10,000 (undeployed pay only)
▸Interest accrues up to 90 days after redeployment
▸Start SDP within 90 days of arrival in combat zone
▸Funds returned within 120 days after deployment ends

Calculate Your SDP Potential

A 12-month deployment with maximum $10,000 contribution earns you $1,000+ guaranteed. Our SDP Strategist helps you optimize your contribution strategy.

Calculate My SDP Growth

During Deployment: Staying Connected

Communication Options

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Email: Most reliable method (check DSN email regularly)

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Video calls: Available when bandwidth allows (Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp)

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Phone calls: AT&T Direct, DSN, morale calls (limited availability)

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Letters/packages: APO/FPO addresses (tangible connection, morale boost)

OPSEC Warning: Never post specific dates, locations, troop movements, or mission details online. When in doubt, don't post it.

For Families at Home

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Maintain routines: Keep normal schedules for children (school, activities, bedtime)

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Join FRG: Family Readiness Group provides support, updates, community

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Self-care: Exercise, hobbies, friendships - don't neglect your own needs

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Seek support: Military OneSource counseling (free, confidential, 24/7)

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Financial management: Review budget monthly, track expenses, adjust as needed

Deployment Financial Benefits

IDP

Imminent Danger Pay

$225/mo

Designated hostile fire zones

HDP

Hardship Duty Pay

$50-$150/mo

Difficult living conditions

FSA

Family Separation Allowance

$250/mo

30+ days away from dependents

CZTE

Combat Zone Tax Exclusion

TAX FREE

All pay earned in combat zone

Example: 12-Month Deployment (2025 Rates)

Monthly Pays:

Base Pay (E-5): $3,200
BAH (with deps): $1,800
BAS: $460
IDP: $225
FSA: $250
Total: $5,935/mo

12-Month Benefits:

Regular Pay: $71,220
Tax Savings (CZTE): ~$8,500
SDP Growth ($10K @ 10%): $1,000
Extra Income: ~$9,500

Sources: IDP/FSA rates per DoD FMR Vol 7A. SDP 10% rate per 10 USC § 1035. CZTE per 26 USC § 112. Rates verified 2025.

Reintegration: Coming Home

Homecoming is a Process, Not an Event

It's normal to feel awkward or experience tension when the service member returns. The deployed member has been in a highly structured environment with specific mission focus, while the at-home spouse has been managing everything solo and establishing new routines. Give it time and communicate openly.

For the Service Member:

•Ease back into family roles gradually
•Respect routines spouse established
•Be patient with children re-bonding
•Seek counseling if experiencing PTSD symptoms

For the At-Home Spouse:

•Allow time for readjustment (3-6 months normal)
•Share responsibilities slowly, not all at once
•Communicate expectations openly
•Attend reintegration briefings together

Resources: Military OneSource (24/7 counseling), Chaplain services, TRICARE behavioral health, Fleet & Family Support Center.

Deployment FAQs

What is a Power of Attorney (POA) and which type do I need?

A POA is a legal document giving someone (usually your spouse) authority to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf while you're deployed.

Two Types:

General POA: Grants broad powers (manage finances, sell property, make legal decisions). Use for longer deployments or if spouse needs full authority.

Special POA: Limited to specific actions (manage specific account, register car, handle one transaction). Use when you want to limit scope.

Free Service: Your base legal office can prepare POA documents for free. Schedule appointment 30+ days before deployment if possible.

How long does a typical military deployment last?

Standard deployments typically last 6-12 months, though length varies by branch, mission type, and unit rotation schedule.

Army: 9-12 months typical
Navy: 6-9 months (carrier deployments)
Air Force: 4-6 months (rotating squadrons)
Marines: 6-7 months (MEU rotations)
Special Operations: Variable (3-12+ months)

Your unit will provide specific timeline during pre-deployment briefings. Extensions (“stop-loss”) can occur but are now rare.

What financial support is available during deployment?

Special Pays:

• IDP: $225/month (imminent danger zones)
• HDP: $50-$150/month (hardship duty)
• FSA: $250/month (30+ days family separation)

Tax Benefits:

• CZTE: All pay earned in combat zone is tax-free
• TSP contributions: Can contribute tax-free combat pay to Roth TSP

Savings Opportunities:

• SDP: 10% guaranteed return on up to $10,000
• Reduced expenses: No rent (if living on base), free meals
• SCRA benefits: 6% interest rate cap on pre-service debts

Calculate Your SDP Growth

Use our SDP calculator to calculate your earnings with the official 10% guaranteed return (10 USC § 1035).

SDP Strategist

Calculate your 10% deployment savings growth and contribution strategy.

Get Deployment Financial Plan

AI-curated guidance for your deployment financial strategy.

The Complete Deployment & Reintegration Guide