Soldier and Family Readiness

Your SFRG is the heart of our unit community—a friendly and supportive network for Soldiers, families, volunteers, and civilian employees. We are your bridge to the command and local resources, ensuring we all stay connected and resilient, together.

What the SFRG Offers Our Families:

• Connection: Build lasting friendships with other families who understand the military journey.

• Support: Gain access to reliable information, helpful resources, and a caring support system, especially during deployments.

• Community: Feel a true sense of belonging to our unit family through social events and shared experiences.

How the SFRG Supports Our Soldiers:

• Mission Focus: Serve with confidence, knowing your family is connected and well-supported back home.

• Peace of Mind: Trust in a reliable network that provides genuine care and open communication between the command and your loved ones.

• Enhanced Readiness: A supported family leads to a focused Soldier. Your family's well-being is a key factor in your personal and mission readiness.

Commanders:

As the official SFRG Leader, the Commander provides the vision and support necessary for the group to succeed.

​​​​​​For official guidance, commanders can refer to Army Command Policy 600-20 (24 JUL 2020) and the SFRG Command Team Training.

Command Family Readiness Representative (CFRR):

The CFRR serves as the commander's representative to ensure information and support flow freely between unit leadership, volunteers, soldiers, and their families.

• Operational: Primary advisor to the SFRG on all military matters.
• Administrative: Ensure SFRG rosters are up to date.
• Logistical Support: Coordinate volunteer training to the SFRG leadership.

At the battalion and brigade levels, a Senior CFRR (SCFRR) serves as a point of contact for subordinate units and assists unit CFRRs, to ensure every SFRG is well supported.

The ACS CFRR Academy provides all required training for the position.

Building a strong SFRG is a team effort! Recruiting a dedicated team of volunteers is the best way to support every Soldier and Family in the unit.

Legal Information Papers for SFRGs:

• SFRG Info Paper

• SFRG Publishing Info Paper

• Formal Guide to Commander's Informal Funds

NEW: Ft. Carson’s policy now allows small, private unit events (under 300 attendees, not open to the public, with food prepared by attendees) to serve food without vendor approval.

See page 2, "Unit/Agency Events" of the Fort Carson GC Policy #7:  Food Vendor Approval.

• SAMPLE SFRG SOP with Informal Fund
• SFRG Leader Binder Table of Contents
• SAMPLE SFRG Task List
• SAMPLE Questions for CDR_CFRR_SFRG
• 4ID SFRG OIP Checklist

• CFRR Academy- This two-day course equips Soldiers appointed as CFRRs to manage the operational, logistical, and administrative duties of the SFRG. Register now!
• Sample CFRR Initial Counseling Statement
• CFRR Appointment Orders Template
• Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) Organization Point-of-Contact (OPOC) Appointment Orders Template

• Fort Carson / ACS Quick Reference Guide
• Sample SFRG Key Contact Roster & Comm Tree
• 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 Communication Log
• Key Contact Problem Resolution Form

Social Media

• Social Media Protection Handbook (A Handbook for Privacy & Security Settings)
• Social Media and Personal Conduct for Soldiers
• Social Media Considerations for Deployed Personnel and their Families
• OPSEC Social Media Checklist
• Social Media Tip Card
• For more information, visit the U.S. Army Social Media website.

For more information on volunteer registration, VMIS, and awards, visit the Army Volunteer Corps webpage.

• 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 class is for volunteers at events (e.g., SFRG Fundraisers).

  • When: 4th Thursday of each month, 1–2 p.m.

  • Where: Environmental Health, Bldg 815 (corner of O'Connell & Wetzel).

  • Register: Call +1(719)524-0730 or email to register.

• 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
• SFRG Meeting Minutes Template
• Meeting Sign-In Sheet
• Icebreaker Ideas
• SFRG Event Checklist
• ACS Portable Class Delivery:  Army Community Service brings classes, briefs and programs to your unit’s footprint to meet the needs of your SFRG. 

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
• Scavenger Hunt Activities for Families
• Healthy Habits Children's Activity Book
• Fun Match Activities to Do Together When Physically Apart
• Coronavirus:  A Book for Children
• Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook

• Ft. Carson "Pass It On" Newsletter: Keep your SFRG informed on the latest programs and services available on post.
• Military OneSource
• Your Soldier, Your Army: A guide that any Family member will find helpful.

Employment Resources for Military Spouses:

• ACS Employment Readiness Program: Resources to help with your job search, education, training, and career planning.

• 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 serves as the voice for single Soldiers, advocating for quality of life improvements to senior leaders on the installation and throughout the Army.

Fort Carson BOSS Facebook Page

Military OneSource - Resources for Single Service Members: Provides resources, including information on recreation, travel, and opportunities to connect with others. 

Your Soldier, Your Army: A guide that any parent of a Service Member will find helpful.