What is Family Support?
The mutual reinforcement provided to
soldiers, civilian employees, and retirees (regardless of marital status), and
their
family members -- both immediate and extended. (AR
600-20, 5-10.a.(2)(b), July 15, 1999)
Why is Family Readiness
Important? Soldiers who are confident their families
will be cared for in emergencies will be more ready to mobilize and deploy. To
develop that assurance, there must be a realistic plan to provide essential
family services. (FORSCOM Regulation 500-3-1)
YOUR FAMILY READINESS
PROGRAM CAN IMPROVE UNIT AND SOLDIER READINESS BY:
- Improving MORALE
- Getting FAMILIES involved in unit activities
- Improving soldier PRIDE
- Providing volunteer services
- Improving RETENTION
- Improving ATTENDANCE
- Improving mobilization preparation
- Improving soldier COMMITMENT to
mission
- Preparing families to become self-sufficient
- Reducing soldier stress
America's Army Family
Readiness Program is a high priority, high visibility preparedness program. It
is a part of soldier readiness processing for mobilization. In study after
study, retention factors have been linked to various aspects of the Total Army
Family Program and, it is reflected as part of the readiness posture.
Mobilization Exercises, Operational Readiness Evaluations and Unit Status
Reports confirm a need to improve Family Readiness.
What can be done?
- Ask about Family Readiness plans and activities during briefings and
planning meetings
- Show an interest in suspense items and actions from higher headquarters
- Include Family Readiness activities on training schedules and calendars
- Plan unit/battalion/higher headquarters level volunteer recognition
events.
- Ensure DEERS and SIDPERS are correct
- Include single soldiers with their next of kin or significant other in
Family Readiness activities
- Sponsor local Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) symposiums
- Conduct unit level Army Team Building (AFTB) classes for soldiers, family
members and significant others
Prepare for Separation Information
and a Family Readiness checklist are on this next page.
[The Basics] [The Family] [The Checkbook] [The File Cabinet]
[The Magazine Rack] [The School House] [The Medicine Cabinet] [The Laundry Bag]
[The Work Table] [Retirement]
[Family Readiness] [Prepare for Separation]
