Why do military personnel typically require a notary for a POA?

Military personnel often require a notary for a Power of Attorney (POA) primarily to manage personal affairs during deployments. When service members are deployed, they may be away from home for extended periods and unable to handle their financial, legal, and personal matters effectively. A notary public ensures that the POA is properly executed and legally binding, which allows an appointed individual to act on behalf of the military member in various capacities, such as managing finances, handling real estate transactions, or making healthcare decisions.

This process is vital because it provides the military personnel with peace of mind knowing that their affairs can be managed appropriately while they are unable to attend to them in person. The notarization process adds an additional layer of verification, ensuring that the document is legitimate and safeguarding against potential fraudulent activities.

In contrast, while the other options involve important aspects of military life, they do not specifically address the primary need for a POA, which is mainly focused on managing personal affairs during deployments. Transferring benefits or accessing medical services generally doesn't require a POA, and changes to retirement plans typically involve different procedures distinct from the need for a notary in creating a POA.