Soldier and Family Readiness

A Soldier/Family Readiness Group is 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.

The Family Member:

Unit Soldier & Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs) foster a sense of belonging to the unit and community, and provide a vehicle for Families to develop friendships while they gain information about the unit and community. In addition, they provide information and referral, and share support during deployments. Through successful SFRG efforts, many spouses have developed a more positive attitude toward themselves, a better understanding of why deployments are necessary and the Army mission to maintain readiness.

The Soldier:

SFRGs provide support that communicates command caring, genuine care, and as open and honest communication as possible. This allows Soldiers to trust in that care, which enables them to concentrate on the mission at hand, and have the emotional readiness to carry out that mission. SFRGs help develop a confidence in Soldiers that Family members will receive reliable and friendly support when the Soldier is away. This can be a meaningful stabilizer for Soldier performance in the unit, and an enhancer of training and psychological readiness to fight.

Commanders:

The commander serves as the Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) Leader.  Army Command Policy 600-20 (24 JUL 2020) and The Army Leader’s Desk Reference for Soldier/Family Readiness provides specific guidance for the command roles. Additional material is provided in the SFRG Command Team Training.  

• Commander
• First Sergeant
• Command Sergeant Major

Command Family Readiness Representative (CFRR):

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.  Provides:

• Operational (primary advisor to the SFRG on all military matters), administrative (ensure SFRG rosters are up to date), and logistical support (coordinate volunteer training) to the SFRG leadership. 
• Monitors and maintains oversight of the Command Soldier and Family Readiness Program. 

CFRR duties are assigned by the commander. 

The Senior Command Family Readiness Representative (SCFRR) at Bn and Bde level provides assistance to 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.  

ACS offers a CFRR Academy where CFRR's can complete all required training for the position. 

The SFRG is not a one-person job, therefore, additional volunteers need to be recruited in order to build a team that works together for the good of the Soldier's and Families in the unit. 

FORSCOM OPORD CORPS and MSC ISO Soldier/Family Readiness Group Program dated 30OCT20 Establishes FORSCOM guidance for the unit SFRG program.  Some highlights from this OPORD include the requirement for CFRRs at the brigade and below level, the establishment of the commander as the SFRG Leader and will not further delegate this responsibility; establishes the CFRR position as a non-deployable additional duty; requires appointment orders for all personnel with a functional role (with the exception of the commander and SFRSA); requires the CFRR will not be assigned other additional duties; and, establishes the required training for CFRRs.

Fort Carson and 4ID SFRG Program DMO establishes local policy/guidance in response to FORSCOM OPORD 30OCT20.

Army Directive 2019-17 (Changes to the Soldier and Family Readiness Group Program).  Dated 01APR19.  This directive established an official name change to refer to FRG's henceforth as SFRG's, Soldier and Family Readiness Group.  It also establishes policy changes to fundraising, reporting, and informal fund activities for the Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) Program.  It supersedes AR 608-1, Appendix J

HQDA EXORD 233-19 Army-Wide Implementation of the Soldier and Family Readiness Group Dated 16DEC19 is designed to add clarification of the Army Directive 2019-17.

The Army Regulation that governs all Soldier and Family Readiness Group operations is Army Regulation 608-1, Appendix J

Army Command Policy contains guidance on Army Family readiness at para 5-2, page 48 Army Regulation 600-20 (dated 24 July 2020)

The Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1342.22 establishes policy, assigns responsibilities, and establishes procedures for the provision of Family readiness services.

Legal Information Papers for SFRGs:

• SFRG Info Paper
• SFRG Publishing Info Paper
• Formal Guide to Commander's Informal Funds

*NEW  Fort Carson's new Food Vendor Approval policy allows unit events that are limited in scope, not open to the public, under 300 attendees (or any other SEVA requirement), and has food prepared only by those attending the event to serve food without vendor approvals.  See page 2, "Unit/Agency Events" of the   Fort Carson GC Policy #7:  Food Vendor Approval

• Fort Carson SFRG Leader's Desk Reference 28SEP23
• SAMPLE SFRG SOP *NEW FEB 2022*  SOP template inclusive of Informal Fund SOP
• SFRG R.E.A.L. Smartbook 
• SFRG Leader Binder Table of Contents
• SAMPLE SFRG Task List
• SAMPLE Questions for CDR_CFRR_SFRG
• SFRG Article on Building Leadership Teams
• 4ID SFRG OIP Checklist

• CFRR Academy - This two day course is designed to prepare Soldiers who are appointed as CFRRs to assist with the operational, logistical, and administrative aspects of the SFRG.  Reserve your spot at our next academy today!
• Sample CFRR Initial Counseling Statement
• CFRR Appointment Orders Template
• Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) Organization Point-of-Contact (OPOC) Appointment Orders Template

• **NEW** Fort Carson / ACS Quick Reference
• Sample SFRG Wire Diagram/Key Contact Roster
• Sample Statement of Complete Non-Participation
• Sample Family Member Emergency Information 
• Sample SFRG Spreadsheet Roster
• Sample SFRG Roster
• Sample SFRG Family Data Sheet
• Sample BN In-processing Soldiers to the SFRG
• Sample SFRG Communication Tree
• Sample Key Contact and Communication Log
• Sample Key Caller Problem Resolution Form

Communicating online through social media platforms

• vSFRG Standard User Guide
• vSFRG Site Admin User Guide
• Social Media Handbook
• Social Media Protection Handbook (A Handbook for Privacy & Security Settings)
• Social Media & SFRG's
• Social Media for SFRG's
• Social Media and Personal Conduct for Soldiers
• Social Media Considerations for Deployed Personnel and their Families
• OPSEC for Social Media
• OPSEC Social Media Checklist
• Social Media Tip Card
• U.S. Army Social Media has a website here for more information on having a social media presence.
• REACH has done some good research and compiled survey results on Social Media Communication with Military Spouses

Look for complete information on volunteer registration, VMIS, volunteer awards, etc. on the Volunteer webpage HERE

• Sample SFRG Volunteer Roster
• Volunteer Code of Ethics
• Volunteer Recognition Ideas
• Factors That Motivate Volunteers
• SFRG Informal Fund Custodian Volunteer Position Description
• SFRG Key Contact Volunteer Position Description
• Additional SFRG Volunteer Position Descriptions
• Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) Organization Point-of-Contact (OPOC) Appointment Orders Template

• How to apply for an EIN online
• SAMPLE Spend Plan
• SAMPLE Informal Fund Ledger
• SAMPLE Appointment Orders for Informal Fund Custodian
• SFRG Financial Audit Template
• SAMPLE Informal Fund Audit
• Audit Memorandum Template
• SAMPLE Audit Checklist
• SAMPLE Inter-Unit SFRG Fundraiser Request Form 
• Fort Carson Food Handler Training This one-hour Temporary Event Food Handler class is intended for volunteers staffing limited time/limited menu internal events such as SFRG Fundraisers.  Classes are held from 1300-1400 (1pm-2pm) on the fourth Thursday of each month.  Training is conducted at Environmental Health, Bldg 815 (corner of O'Connell Blvd and Wetzel Avenue).  Registration is required:  Contact Environmental Health at +1(719)524-0730 or email usarmy.carson.medcom-each.list.env-health@health.mil.  
• SFRG Fundraiser AAR Template
• The Fort Carson Informal Funds Registration Form is completed by the SFRG Fund Custodian/Treasurer if your SFRG intends to have funds.  The completed registration form should be returned to DFMWR through Jody.l.valdes.naf@army.mil.
• To report unit-area fundraisers or request outside-unit-area fundraisers, submit the Fort Carson SFRG Fundraising Request Form to Jody.l.valdes.naf@army.mil.

• SFRG Annual Planning Tips
• SFRG Monthly Meeting Template
• Tips for Running and Effective Meeting
• Tips for Fun and Successful Meetings
• SFRG Meeting Minutes Template
• Meeting Sign-In Sheet
• Icebreaker Ideas
• SFRG Event Checklist
• 4ID Meeting Location Matrix
• ACS Portable Class Delivery:  Army Community Service brings classes, briefs and programs to your unit’s footprint to meet the needs of Soldiers and their Family members. 

VIRTUAL CONNECTION RESOURCES!

Your SFRG can use the below resources in emails, on social media and in other virtual platforms to set up contests, virtual get-togethers, or other SFRG connection activities.

• Stay-At-Home Care Package
• Stay-At-Home Date Night Ideas
• Date Night Conversation Starters
• Family Dinner Table Topic Talk Cards
• Printable Daily Schedule Dial for Kids
• Indoor Scavenger Hunt
• Spring Scavenger Hunt
• Inventor Scavenger Hunt
• Nature Scavenger Hunt
• Backyard Scavenger Hunt
• Rainbow Scavenger Hunt
• Book Scavenger Hunt
• Five Senses Scavenger Hunt
• Math Scavenger Hunt
• Doing My Part BINGO
• Indoor Scavenger Hunt 2
• Healthy Habits Children's Activity Book
• Talking With Your Kids About Coronavirus
• Fun Match Activities to Do Together When Physically Apart
• Coronavirus:  A Book for Children
• Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook
• COVID-19 Parental Resource Helping Children Cope
• COVID-19 Parent handout:  Talking to Children About COVID

• Fort Carson "Pass It On" bi-weekly newsletter to keep yourself and your SFRG informed!
• Military OneSource
• Your Soldier, Your Army is a guide that any Family member will find helpful!

Employment Resources for Military Spouses:

• The Blue Star Spouse Employment Toolkit can help in translating Military Spouses' Lived Experience into Strong Resumes
• Visit the Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program at https://carson.armymwr.com/programs/employment-readiness for a multitude of resources to help with your career plan and job search!

• ACS New Parent Support Program
• DFMWR Child & Youth Services (CYS)
• Peak Vista - First Visitor Program

Click here for pre-deployment, deployment, and reunion resources.

DEPLOYMENT

• Do You Hear What I Mean (self-reflection exercise on communicating in different situations
• Emotional Cycle of Deployment Worksheet (helping develop coping strategies)
• Family Communication Around Household Roles and Responsibilities
• Finding Balance
• Just Breathe
• Meditation
• Move the Body, Relax the Mind

REDEPLOYMENT/REINTEGRATION

• Renegotiating a New Normal After Deployment
• Emotional Cycle of Deployment (POST)
• Reintegration - How I See It

Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS):

The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program represents the voice of the single Soldier.  If you're a single Soldier,  the BOSS triad advocates for you by advancing quality of life issues on the installation and in the barracks to senior leaders on post and throughout the Army.  "Let Your Voice Be Heard"   BOSS 

Fort Carson BOSS Facebook Page

Military OneSource - Resources for Single Service Members: You’re unattached and ready to explore. Military OneSource has pooled together items of interest for single service members in search of recreation.

Your Soldier, Your Army is a guide that any parent of a Service Member will find helpful!