Fort Detrick
Family Readiness Group (FRG)
ACS Outreach
Community Support Center
1520 Freedman Drive
Phone: 301-619-3171
E-mail: USAGOutreach@amedd.army.mil
Hours: 0800-1630
About FRG:
Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader's Handbook [PDF]
The Family Readiness Group (FRG) is organized to provide mutual support for a unit's family members. FRG forms the third component of the Army's family support system during deployment. It operates during periods of normal operations, as well, in close coordination with the affiliated unit and, if convenient, with ACS or the Reserve Component Family Program Coordinator's Office. The FRG also serves as an important source of inspiration, training, and support to empower Army families to increase and enhance their self-reliance.
Goals of the Family Readiness Group:
To provide an opportunity for family members to mutually support each other, prevent isolation, provide information, help involve families in unit activities, and refer families to community resources when needed.
The Importance of Family Readiness Groups:
"My husband has been a part of the 520th TAML since August 1999. He was a PROFIS officer. In November 2002 he was assigned full time to the 520th TAML. This unit has its headquarters on Aberdeen, Maryland and a detachment at Fort Detrick. The distance between the two groups makes participation in one Family Readiness Group (FRG) difficult.
The commander of the 520th TAML saw the need for an active FRG at the detachment at Fort Detrick. I was asked to start the FRG and given the commander's support. The detachments cohesiveness makes our FRG successful. As we learn more, our group will become more active and continue to support the soldier and his/her family."
- 520th TAML Family Member
The two distinct levels of effort of Family Readiness Groups:
- Activated function - The effort is concentrated around events such as pre-deployment and mobilization, deployment, and the immediate post-deployment periods. FRGs provide support to family members and soldiers by offering information on unit activities and meetings, and referral assistance about community resources. Activities during this level are geared toward helping family members prepare for imminent separation, cope during the separation, and to bond with other family members in the unit.
- Sustaining function - There is a reduced degree of interaction between FRG volunteers and family members as well as within the FRG organization. This period occurs mainly during non-deployment periods. During this period, FRGs continue to update rosters of family member addresses and telephone numbers, continue regular meetings between FRG representatives and unit leaders, and, through group meetings or telephone contacts, provide welcoming, sponsorship, orientation, and networking support for new family members and families in crisis or transition.
