Command

Family Readiness Orientation Brief

Define the Family Program Mission Recognize the need of Family

Readiness Illustrate Roles and Responsibilities

Course Objectives

National Guard

Family Readiness Mission:

“To establish and facilitate ongoing communications, involvement,

support and recognition between National Guard Families and the

National Guard in a partnership that promotes the best in both.”

Why is the Family Readiness Program important to you as commanders?

Recruiting and retention tool Rumor control Can disseminate timely and accurate information Provide resources Mission Ready for Soldiers AND Family Boosts morale among Soldiers and Families Increases the level of commitment and

readiness

How does it match the needs of the Service Members and Families of your unit?

Confidence Assures reliable, friendly support for Families during

separation Connected with community resources, emotional

support Enables Soldiers to focus on mission requirements Fosters unit cohesion Reduces rumors Promotes self reliance

How does it personally effect you as a Service Member?

A successful state Family program follows the guidance and support of the Adjutant General

through the delegation of responsibilities within the chains of command.

The Adjutant General ensures that commanders comply with Family Program guidance and

regulations.

The Adjutant General

The Assistant Adjutant Generals implement policies and guidance from the TAG and

ensures that commanders comply with Family Program guidance and regulations.

The Assistant Adjutant Generals – Air and Army

Responsible for the Family Readiness Group and sets Family readiness goals

Establish and actively support a unit FRG Meets regularly with FRG leaders to

gauge progress, provide help, and resolve issues

Approves and signs off on FRG Communications

Company Commanders

Reviews and approves FRG fund status, fundraisers, and FRG activities

Ensures that required briefings are conducted for all Soldiers and Families

Ensure that Soldiers requiring a Family Care Plan, complete it and recertify annually during Soldiers birth month

Ensure annual Family Intake Sheet & FRG phone tree are updated

Company Commanders

Company Commanders

To establish a FRG or at change of command the following needs to take place in writing:

Sanction FRGAppoint Military POCAppoint Lead VolunteerAppoint TreasurerApprove FRG checking account

Knows and supports command Family readiness policies and goals

Ensures timely and accurate information flows to FRG leaders and supports new Soldiers and Families through the sponsorship program

Participates in unit and command Family readiness program meetings

Encourages all Soldiers and Families to participate actively in unit FRG

Confers with FRG leaders on Family readiness issues and assists them with resolution

First Sergeants & Command Sergeants Major

EMPOWER the FRG –you pick the right team, they

will do much of the heavy lifting

Serves as a conduit for information Advises FRG Leaders on compliance with

regulations and procedures Assist FRGL in improving awareness of

unit mission & training requirements FRG training requirements and events Assist FRG in update of Family Intake

Form & FRG phone tree Assist with sponsorship of new Families Must like Families!

Military Point of Contact (MPOC)

Cdr’s primary Family-member representative Working knowledge of Family Program Support Cdr intent and vision for FRG Provide leadership, with focus on being group

facilitator Promote participation in FRG Ensures timely and accurate information flows Plan, coordinate, and execute all FRG

meetings

Family Readiness Group Leader (FRGL)

Support the intent of the program under current commander’s guidance

Provide access to resources, information and community organizations promoting self-reliance

Educate Family members on the missions, goals of the unit, to include Chain of Command/Concern

Ensure FRG is ready for No Notice Missions

Commander expectations of the FRGL

FRGL Expectations of Commanders

• Command Support of Family Program• Supply needed equipment, supplies, etc.• Open Communication• Ensure Sponsorship for New Families• Ensure Volunteer Recognition• Provide Vision & Goals• Training

Remember

There is no rank in an FRGFRG does not stand for Fund Raising GroupFund-raising off Armory property is a no-noWhat is done for one is done for allFRG is for the entire unit not just the deployedWatch for cliquesPlenty of communication. . .this will help with

the rumor mill

Plus . . . Your unit Family efforts will be measured every two years in the ATAG Climate Assessment

Survey

A Unit FRG is a Commander’s Program!!! In summary, a unit FRG is a team sport. The CDR establishes vision, the FRG leadership

team takes the lead and executes the program, while the MPOC is an enabler. Strive for an

active, engaged FRG during steady state-non deployed - and everyone will be better prepared

for separation.

Ready Families… Anytime, Anywhere!

Being the commanders program it should be unit specific and encompass both Families and Soldiers.

An active FRG will help to recruit and retain Soldiers and Families.

The entire team made up of military, Family program staff and volunteers all have specific roles and responsibilities.

Review

Operation Ready Leaders Desk Reference 2002

Operation Ready Army FRG Leaders Handbook Edition 3, 2006

Operation Ready Rear Detachment Commanders Handbook, edition 3 2006

AR 600-20 Army Command Policy

AR 608-1 Army Community Services

References