Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) were created to support the family members of soldiers, particularly during deployment. Most family readiness groups allow any family member to be a part of the group. Some, such as the FRGs associated with special operations units, may be more selective with who is allowed to receive information.
The FRG is described as:
“An organization of family members, volunteers and soldiers belonging to a unit that together provide an avenue of mutual support, assistance and a network of communication among the family members, the chain of command, and community resources.”
Spouses of married soldiers and parents of single soldiers are automatically members of the FRG. As stated above, some FRGs may allow other members as well. You can play any role you would like within the FRG. Some wish only to attend meetings and obtain information while others would rather take on a leadership role. Either is fine.
It is important to remember that as with all other spouse functions, there is no rank in the FRG. Anyone who is willing to hold a leadership role can regardless of who the soldier is or the associated rank. FRGs typically call on volunteers for duties such as creating the unit newsletter, being a member of the welcoming committee, organizing social functions, participating in fundraising activities or being a key caller (also known as point of contact) for other family members.
If your soldier is new to the unit and you have not been contacted by the FRG, be sure that your soldier has your name added to the roster. This is generally the only way that the FRG can know that you exist. You can also seek out the contact information for the FRG leader and call that person yourself to be added to the roster. In addition, many FRGs now have virtual FRGs set up online. To check to see if your unit is online, visit www.armyfrg.org.
Some FRGs are only active during deployments. While the soldiers are stateside, they may be relatively inactive. This was the case with our FRG. The actual activities and amount of activity can vary greatly from one FRG to the next. It is important to remember, however, that those running the FRG are just family members such as yourself who are volunteering their time and talent. There is no pay for volunteering with the FRG.
The FRGs can be an excellent source of information not only about your soldier’s unit but also about the resources and activities that are available on post. While they can refer a family member to these resources, remember that they generally will not be the ones who provide the service. For instance, you may approach your key caller about financial issues and they may refer you to AER but the FRG will not actually loan money. Or you may call with emotional issues that are best dealt with by a trained professional so they will direct you to those resources. They will not play the role of counselor.
If there is a need for a casualty notification, the FRG is not involved in that process unless you specifically request their presence. Notifications are handled by the Army and typically include a team of a chaplain and casualty assistance officer. The FRG will not be the one to notify you of a casualty that involves your soldier. They may, however, for rumor control purposes distribute the information after the family has been notified.
It is vitally important that you keep your information up to date with the FRG. If during a deployment, you go out of town, you need to let the FRG or POC know so that they will be able to find you in the case of an emergency. While involvement in the FRG is not mandatory, it is important to realize that this is your main source of information, particularly during a deployment. The unit leaders will contact the FRG leaders to disseminate information to family members. This is usually the only way to obtain official information about your soldier’s unit.
Above all else, please give your FRG a chance before you write them off based on the rumor mill. Even if your FRG is less than stellar, you can volunteer and be the person who works to turn that around. Be the positive force that you wish to see.
Im curious. my husband is active duty supporting reserves. we dont live on a base. can i still be a part of FRG?
Yes, you can. Most FRGs have an online support group at Army FRG. In addition, a lot of FRGs send out newsletters, emails, etc so it is not only things that you need to be there in person to take advantage of. You may also check with your local National Guard unit and see if they have support groups for spouses. Although it wouldn’t be unit specific information, it could still give you support.
i have a army fiance in afghanistan, and i need to know more about this military life. If you don’t mind, please respond to me on my email address. I’m going out of my mind because of this long distance relationship. If someone out there can help me out, please do…
Thank you
Rose
hey there, im a first time military girlfriend, my bf is army national guard, hes currently in afghanistan, im looking for a FRG in Lodi,ca or Stockton,ca… is there a website where i can find an FRG in my area or does he have to pass my info on to the group for them to contact me?anyhelp would be great thank you !
Hi,
My husband is currently on active duty and I was wondering how I will be notified (if anything happens) when I’m living in Europe. I’m in France for a year to finish my studies and I know that when he’s KIA you will be notified in person, but how will I be contacted in France?
No matter where you are, they will contact you. You need to always let the FRG or his Rear D know how to get in touch with you in the event it is necessary.
Do we (as parents of a single soldier) get in touch with the FRG closest to us, or the one where our son is stationed? What if he will be attending SF training later this year?
You would get in touch with the one that is where he is stationed and attached to his unit. They will have unit specific information.
I’m talking to a soldier in the us army he’s in Nigeria at the moment I haven’t spoke. To him only by text I’ve got pictures and do they have to pay if they want leave and it’s refundable can you help me my work mate has even phoned the American embassy he has got leave from his commander
Would be grateful if you could get back to me they said it’s a scam but I don’t think it is
What is the process for Fiancee to be added for a deployed soldier Army so I can get updates and request vacation time for him to be home to take care of family responsibilities?
There’s no such thing as requesting vacation time for him.