About Soldier and Family Readiness Groups
The Department of Defense defines Family readiness as the state of being prepared to effectively navigate the challenges of daily living experienced in the unique context of military service Soldier and Family Readiness Groups directly support Family readiness They are a command sponsored organization of Family members, volunteers, Soldiers, and civilian employees belonging to a unit, that together provide an avenue of mutual support and assistance and a network of communications among the Family members, the chain of command, chain of concern and community resources.
Four Foundational SFRG Tasks
SFRGs can serve as mighty combat multipliers within a unit and play an important role in helping to deliver ready combat formations. There are four foundational SFRG tasks that are hallmarks of an effective and welcoming SFRG. To exemplify these hallmarks, the acronym WARM which means:
"WARM", adjective - having, showing, or expressive of enthusiasm, comradery or kindness.
- Welcoming all Families
- Ideally, there should be contact from the installation before the Family arrives to help them better prepare and execute their move. For the unit, Families should receive a welcome (e.g., a text, a phone call, an invitation to a welcome orientation) within two weeks of their arrival into the unit.
- Accurate Contact Information for all Families
- The unit must know the Soldier's DD93 is updated and how to reach the Family should a Soldier or Family emergency arise.
- Reliable Community and Unit information
- Families should be able to count upon a regular update from the unit that includes a calendar that goes at least three months out. We all know unexpected missions come up that change the calendar, but these should be the exception. Additionally, Families should have easy access to information about resources, events and programming happening on their installation. Communication platforms could be a newsletter, a webpage, a postcard, a regular unit or installation meeting or a combination of any of these.
- Maintain
- Any SFRG processes/systems must be deliberate, sustainable and easily maintained.
Roles Within SFRG
- Commanders
- The commander serves as the SFRG Leader. The commander assigns duties to the CFRR.
- SFRG Volunteers
- The commander may designate SFRG volunteer positions based upon the needs of the unit. The SFRG is not a one-person job. Volunteers play a critical role in helping build a team that works together for the good of the Soldiers and the Families in the unit.
- Command Family Readiness Representative
- The CFRR serves as the commander's representative to ensure the free flow of information and support between the unit leadership, its volunteer base and unit personnel to include Family members. The CFRR provides administrative, logistical and operational support to the SFRG leadership while maintaining oversight of the Command Soldier and Family Readiness Program.
- Senior Command Family Readiness Representative
- The SCFRR aids subordinate CFRRs and facilitates the free flow of information regarding Soldier and Family readiness to and from the brigade/battalion command teams and steering committees. The SCFRR serves as a point of contact to ensure subordinate units receive the necessary support from brigade and battalion and provides advice to the brigade/battalion command teams regarding Soldier and Family readiness related issues.
Policies