Here is your basic guide to the Marine Corp’s UPFRP program!
Read what it is, how to find your UPFRP, how to become involved, and more.
First off, what does UPFRP mean?
UPFRP stands for Unit, Personal, and Family Readiness Program.
What do they do?
The UPFRP is a unit run program, guided by the Family Readiness Command Team. They offer support for Marines and their families, provide volunteer opportunities, and provide deployment preparedness information.
The UPFRP leaders also communicate information to, and provide support for, families and spouses during deployments.
This is all done while maintaining OPSEC by communicating directly with spouses through means such as Marine Online.
How do I find my UPFRP?
When you are relocated to a new base location, your Marine is required to meet with either the Deployment Readiness Coordinator (DRC) or Uniformed Readiness Coordinator (URC).
Once the correct information has been provided to the DRC or URC, you should start receiving communication from your Family Readiness Command team.
If for some reason you still cannot find or get in contact with your base’s UPFRP, go here to find phone numbers and more information for the closest location to you.
You may also currently have access to a Marine Online account, which will include more information about your UPFRP. If you do not have an account, your Marine can register here, and can get you set up as well.
You can also try searching on Facebook, where there is usually a group created by the UPFRP for your unit or area.
Who can be in the Family Readiness Command team?
The Command team typically consists of 7 different members.
- Commanding Officer and/or the Commanding General of the unit
- Executive Officer and/or the Chief of Staff of the unit
- Sergeant Major and/or Senior Enlisted Advisor
- Chaplain
- Deployment Readiness Coordinator (DRC) or Uniformed Readiness Coordinator(s) (URC)
- Single Marine Representative
- Family Readiness Advisor(s)
The UPFRP is also made up of volunteers that help provide additional support and perspective to the leadership.
Who can be a Volunteer?
UPFRP volunteers can be active duty members, their family members, retirees, veterans, and civilians.
In order to become a volunteer, you are asked to receive training from the Marine Corps Family Team Building Program. You can find more information for your specific location here.
There are different levels of training for different purposes. Be sure to check with your local installation to see what is required, or visit MarineNet, the Marine Corps’ website for eLearning.
What does a Volunteer do?
The volunteers for the UPFRP assist with mentoring others spouses/family members, identify challenges to be addressed by the Command, and assist with unit events.
They also provide additional insight to the Command team on the needs and concerns of the family members in the unit.
If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I’ll do what I can to point you in the right direction.
