What is the Soldier and Family Readiness Program?

Did you know that the Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs) have been around since Revolutionary War days? Families have ALWAYS been an important facet of Military life and yes, SFRGs as we know them to be today have changed a lot since General George Washington was around.

Readiness is based on the smallest unit being prepared, that unit is the individual Soldier. If the Soldier’s Family is not prepared, the Soldier is not prepared. When the unit is not prepared, the Army is unprepared. While the state of being happy, healthy and resilience is a personal responsibility, it is greatly improved when the tools and resources are quickly accessible.

The Soldier and Family Readiness Group is a key component of mission readiness. As a command-sponsored organization, the SFRG is an important entity to network, communicate, support and prepare our Soldiers and Family members for military life. It is critical that EVERY Soldier and Family Member are well-informed and well-prepared.

Family Readiness is defined as Families who are prepared and equipped with the skills and tools to successfully meet the challenges of the military lifestyle. Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) Volunteers are an integral part of the planning and preparation that goes into making SFRGs successful.

You see, SFRGs matter and we need you! Spouses, Parents, Children, and Friends you are welcome to join. “Family” is more than just the Family within your household. Family Support may also include friends, siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, and more.

There are a variety of Volunteer opportunities available both as Official Statutory Volunteers and as Gratuitous (Unofficial) Volunteers which is someone who helps now and then but does not hold a Commander appointed SFRG position. 

Statutory Volunteer Positions include:

SFRG Leader, 2-6 hours monthly

  • Supports the Commanders Readiness Goals
  • Provides overall leadership of the SFRG.
  • Distributes information and resources to families
  • Works with Committee to plan unit activities and meetings

Key Callers, 2-4 hours quarterly

  • Responsible for communication with 8-12 families
  • Provides accurate information to the families from the command during phone tree activation to include emergency activations
  • Welcomes new families to the Unit and connect them to the SFRG
  • Refers families to proper resources when needed, maintaining confidentiality

 

Newsletter Chairperson, 6-8 hours quarterly

  • Designs SFRG newsletter
  • Gathers content to include resources, upcoming events, articles, and pictures
  • Distributes quarterly newsletter or monthly if Unit is deployed

Treasurer & Alternate Treasurer, 1-4 hours monthly

  • Maintains accurate records of the SFRG informal fund
  • Attends SFRG meetings in person or via call in methods
  • Participates in fundraising decisions and efforts
  • Ensures SFRG follows Informal fund standard operating procedures (SOP)  

 

Gratuitous Volunteer opportunities may include:

  • Unit Soldier and Family Appreciation day events
  • Regular social events (playdates at local parks, Spouse night out dinners, Family hiking day, etc.)
  • Unit Dining Out planning
  • Training events
  • Meal delivery to Soldier/Family (often organized for births, sicknesses, injury, etc.)
  • Service Projects
  • Fundraisers
  • Participation on Unit SFRG Social media page

Wither you choose to become involved in your Units Soldier and Family Program as a Volunteer or participant, you are a vital part in the success of the Unit and each individual Soldier.  

For more information or assistance with connecting to your Unit SFRG program please contact a Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC) near you.