Army Family Team Building Level II

Family Readiness Groups and the Deployment Cycle

Responsibilities within the Family and Soldier

Readiness System
The Commander
Commanders have an obligation to provide assistance to establish and maintain personal
and family readiness by:

ƒ providing command emphasis on family readiness programs.

ƒ ensuring Soldiers and family members are informed of their entitlements, Soldier and
family programs, and Soldier and family services.
ƒ ensuring proper documenting and monitoring of personal affairs and readiness of
Soldiers.
ƒ including single Soldiers in all quality of life programs and initiatives.
The Rear Detachment
The Rear Detachment is the primary point of contact for family members during the
deployment/mobilization process. He/She is responsible for the administration and
command and control of the non-deployed personnel. This individual:

ƒ provides a link between the FRG and the deployed unit.

ƒ provides family members with unit information and resources.
ƒ offers support to those who have questions or need specific assistance.
Family Readiness Liaison (FRL)
The Commander appoints an FRL, a Soldier assigned to the unit, to serve as the link
between the FRG and command. The FRL was established to:

ƒ assist units during mobilization and deployment.

ƒ coordinate with FRG leaders to maintain critical communication links.
ƒ provide FRG logistical and administrative support as needed.
ƒ identify appropriate resources and provide accurate, up-to-date information to help solve
family-related problems.

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Army Family Team Building Level II

FRG Assistants
Some units established these paid civilian positions to assist FRG Leaders in
accomplishing their tasks. The FRG Assistants work directly for the Commander who
outlines their duties and directs their day-to-day operational activities. The FRG
Assistants were established to:

ƒ provide administrative assistance in support of family readiness programs and activities

to the Commander, FRL, and FRG Leader
ƒ assist units during mobilization and deployment.
ƒ coordinate with FRG leaders to maintain critical communication links.
ƒ provide stability on the home front.
ƒ work closely with community resources to provide appropriate referrals for the
Commander, FRL, FRG Leader and family members.
ƒ provide assistance, information, referrals, and follow-up on all areas of family programs.
The FRG Leader
The FRG leader is appointed by the Commander. The Leader provides overall leadership
for the unit FRG. The FRG leader also:

ƒ supports the Commander’s family readiness goals.

ƒ recruits other volunteers for key FRG positions or presides over elections.
ƒ supervises planning and running of all FRG events.
ƒ involves all members in group decisions and events.
ƒ conveys key information to members.
ƒ ensures that FRG phone tree is functional and up-to-date.
ƒ welcomes new families into the unit.
FRG Volunteers
The official volunteers are members who donate their time and services to a variety of
FRG projects and activities. They can be the leaders, organizers, key callers and others
who actively contribute to the FRG.

2006/7 2.13 Handout 3-2

Army Family Team Building Level II

Family Members
Involved family members are key to a successful FRG by:

ƒ providing updated contact information to the FRG and unit.

ƒ staying informed.
ƒ attending and participating in FRG activities and meetings.
ƒ communicating with other FRG members.
The Soldier
Soldiers are responsible for preparing themselves and their families for separation and
must:

ƒ inform command of any changes in family status.

ƒ update appropriate deployment/mobilization documents and required emergency information in
personnel file.
ƒ encourage family members to support the programs, services, and activities designed to
maintain and enhance family readiness.

2006/7 2.13 Handout 3-3