Family Readiness Groups / Mobilization & Deployment

Deployment isn’t easy. Mobilization, Deployment and Stability and Support Operations (MD&SSO) helps make it as smooth as possible—for units, Soldiers, and Families.

MD&SSO provides training and publications to help commanders, Soldiers, and Families navigate the challenges of mobilization and deployment. We also have resources for rear detachment cadre and Soldier and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) leaders.

We assist the chain of command by empowering SFRG leadership and volunteers, providing them with robust training and resources to maintain a successful and effective SFRG. In addition, Family Readiness Support Assistants (FRSAs) provide administrative and logistical support to commanders, rear detachment commanders, and SFRG leaders.

MD&SSO also assists during Noncombatant Evacuation and Repatriation Operations. During emergencies, the Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (ADPAAS) helps gain accountability, assess Family needs, and coordinate assistance.

The MD&SSO Program provides:

• Deployment Support to Soldiers and units preparing to deploy or returning from a deployment. Information and referral services assist Soldiers and Family members dealing with deployment and redeployment questions, concerns, and challenges. Services can be tailored to assist commanders in meeting the deployment and redeployment needs of their SFRG. Commanders also have the virtual SFRG (vSFRG) as a tool to communicate with their SFRG membership in a secure online environment, especially during deployment.
• Family Readiness Training for command teams, Command Family Readiness Representatives, and SFRG volunteers.
• Emergency Family Assistance, provided when disaster strikes an Army community and accessed through multiple methods:
• Through an ADPAAS electronic assessment, Soldiers and Families can identify needs, which will be assigned to the closest ACS ADPAAS case manager
• Through the Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC), a garrison-level, one-stop location for Soldiers, Civilians, and Family members to access needed recovery services
• During noncombatant evacuation and repatriation operations for personnel in OCONUS locations

Other Deployment Readiness Resources

(Government Links)

Plan My Deployment. Military OneSource’s Plan My Deployment provides tips, resources, and articles to help prepare for all phases of the deployment. Click here to access Plan My Deployment.

Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs). SFRGs and virtual SFRGs (vSFRGs) offer Families official and accurate command information, connect Soldiers and Families to the chain of command, provide a network of mutual support, and connect SFRG members to on/off-post community resources.

Social Media. Social media can be a powerful tool to inform, influence, and engage Soldiers and Families. Click here to access the Army's Social Media site.

Ready Army. Ready Army is the Army’s proactive campaign to increase the resilience of the Army community and enhance its readiness by taking stock of and preparing for relevant hazards. Click here to access Ready Army

(Non-Government Links, No Endorsement Implied)

 Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP). YRRP is a DoD-wide effort to promote the well-being of National Guard and reserve members, as well as their Families and communities, by connecting them with resources throughout the phases of deployment. Click here to access YRRP. 

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Unit FRGs foster a sense of belonging to the unit and community. FRGs provide an opportunity for Families to develop friendships while they gain information about the unit and community. FRGs provide information and referrals and, share support during deployments. Through successful FRG efforts, many spouses have developed a more positive attitude toward themselves, a better understanding of why deployments are necessary and a better understanding of the Army mission to maintain readiness.

FRGs provide support that communicates integrity of care as an open and honest method of communication. FRGs allow Soldiers to trust in that care, which enables them to concentrate on the mission at hand and to have the emotional readiness to carry out that mission. FRGs help develop a confidence in Soldiers that Family members will receive reliable and friendly support when the Soldier is away. FRGs can be a meaningful stabilizer for Soldier performance in the unit.

FRGs have valuable resources available to assist in developing resilient Families that are better able to cope and function in times of separation or crisis. A unit FRG offers increased levels of confidence, commitment and a sense of well-being among Soldiers and Family members. A well functioning FRG can minimize Family distractions conserving the unit commanders' time and resources for military purposes. FRGs can help Families overcome problems that are likely to impact adversely on Soldier performance.

FRG Training offered:

• Rear Detachment Commander Training
• Overview of Rear Detachment Role Trauma in the Unit
• RDC Tasks in The Deployment Cycle Care Team
• RDC Roles in Unit Casualty Battlemind Training for Spouses
• Working with the Family Support Network How to Work with Families
• Crisis Intervention

Mobilization & Deployment offers the following Family Readiness Group Training:

• Building Your FRG - Getting Started FRG Fund Custodian - Money Matters/Fund Raising
• Building Your FRG - Working With Volunteers Leadership for Effective FRGs
• Building Your FRG - Preparing to Contact Soldiers Pre-Deployment Financial Planning and Families
• Children and Deployment Reintegration - Reunion for Families and Soldiers
• Coping with Separation Running an Effective FRG - Communication
• Effective FRG - Special Events The FRG - Bringing It All Together
• Family Readiness Group Overview
• Financial Planning for the Future other training available upon request!