When becoming a part of Army community, one of the first questions you will hear is, “Would you like to receive information from the SFRG?” Your best response should be “yes,” but allow us to explain why.
What is the Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG)?
The SFRG is an official Army program established pursuant to AR 600-20, Army Command Policy. Unit commanders at all levels are expected to establish and/or support SFRG operations. SFRGs are typically established at the company level with guidance and support from the battalion commander and his/her staff.
Who are the members of SFRG?
All of a unit’s assigned soldiers (both married and single), DA civilians, and their families (both immediate and extended). Note that while all of these individuals are automatically members, participation is voluntary.
What is the SFRG mission?
It’s an important one.
- Act as an extension of the unit in providing official, accurate command information
- Provide mutual support between the command and SFRG membership
- Advocate more efficient use of community resources to help families solve the problems at the lowest level
The SFRG Leader’s Toolkit
If you are ever the SFRG leader for your service member’s unit, these tools you might be helpful. The first two you would need to request from and discuss with the unit commander. The Continuity Book is created by the SFRG and maintained by the SFRG leader to help future SFRG leaders maintain a consistent SFRG presence. The SFRG leader’s handbook can either be the existing Army-wide handbook or your unit can create a unit-specific SFRG Leader’s handbook.
Your tool kit should include:
- The breakdown of the unit’s composition and/or mission (what the unit does and who does what)
- The long-range training calendar
- The Continuity Book as mentioned above
- The SFRG leader’s handbook
What else do I need to know?
Here are some additional resources that you might find helpful:
- Army Directive 2019-17: Changes to Soldier and Family Readiness Program
- AR 608-1 Appendix J: FRG Legal and Operational Guidance
- AR 600-8-1: Army Casualty Program
- AE Regulation 608-2: Implementing Family Readiness Systems in Europe
- AE Regulation 600-8-108: Policies and procedures for Rear Detachment Command
- AE Pamphlet 600-8-108: Family Readiness Support Assistant Guide
- Army Directive 2012-13: Implementing guide for Deployment Cycle Support
- How to send a Red Cross message
- How the Red Cross supports military families
- National Military Family Association
- Center for Army “Lessons Learned” (CALL): Includes FRG resources, CALL Handbook, and Guard and Reserve Family Readiness Toolkit
Hey ladies – saw the reference to the FRG Leader Handbook. There is a new book (published by HQ IMCOM G9 during the writing of the Readiness Essentials for Army Leaders training – the Smart Book! It is an amazing resource full of sample documents, regulations, rules, policies and guides for the new and experienced SFRG volunteer. If you need information or access to this awesome book, compiled by two extremely dedicated and highly resourceful professionals (both MDSSO folks) please let me know.
Is it still active? I involved in the process as a Korean Peninsula representative but I was told it is not active.
How do I find that updated book?
Paula,
HQ IMCOM G9 is no longer responsible for the SFRG. The responsibility has transferred to HQDA G9, and the handbook is in the process of updating.
Kimie Bruch
Hi I am the new SFRG Leader for my husbands unit. Can you tell me if the Leaders book it available? I have tried to register with a number of sites but I dont have a CAC.
Hello, my name is Pauline Fields. I am the SFRG leader for Dakota trop a fort bliss,Tx. I would like to receive information on the new leaders hand book below you will find my contact info
Thanks
Pauline Fields SFRG leader DAKOTA TROP
Stephanie,
Can you email a copy of that to Melissa.Gillespie@outlook.com. Please and Thanks.
Is AR 608-1 Appendix J still active? My understanding it is no longer effective per AD 2019-17. The AD gives us a great deal of grey area in my opinion.
Hi Kimie! Just looked it up and yep, looks like AR 608-1 is still active… It was last updated 19 Oct 2017 and Appendix J was still included in it.
https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1002972
Sharita,
Appendix J in AR 608-1 is superseded IAW Army Directive 2019-17.
Kimie Bruch
Thanks for letting us know, Kimie– it’s hard to keep up with all the changes 🙂
Hello all, Quick question, how did you initially introduce yourselves in the company email before a SFRG meeting? Covid has really messed with thigs this year.
Great question, Sammy! So even before COVID, sometimes I would be faced with a similar situation as the SFRG leader (or company member) before we had a meeting. I am firm believer that taking the initiative to say hello as soon as possible is great. It doesn’t have to be too formal or intimidating… Not sure if you are the SFRG leader or simply replying to the leader’s email, but it can be casual and respectful. I have written something like this in the past (probably longer, but maybe this gets you started)…
“Hi! I am Sharita Knobloch, your incoming SFRG . I am the spouse of Master Sgt Knobloch. We’ve been married over 10 years and have two kiddos. (Tell a bit more about yourself, mention upcoming meeting, etc). I look forward to working with you in the coming months. </p>
<p>Feel free to join our (facebook group, or other channels of connections). If you need to contact me directly, you can reach me via this email address or by phone <insert phone number>. </p>
<p>Again, I’m excited to meet you all in person at <meeting date>. See you then!<br />
<signs name> </p>
<p>Hope this helps get you started 🙂</signs></meeting></insert>
My husband starts BT this month. How do I find my FRG?
There should be a basic training support page at whatever post he is training at. The FRG in basic training is the command team in charge of soldiers. Once your soldier graduates and gets to his or her unit, the FRG is established by company they are assigned to. Hope that helps?