Here is your basic guide to the Army’s SFRG program!
Read what it is, how to find your SFRG, how to become involved, and more.
First off, what does SFRG mean?
SFRG stands for Soldier and Family Readiness Group.
These groups used to be known as FRG’s, Family Readiness Groups.
What do they do?
The SFRG is a unit’s commander’s program. They provide support and assistance to soldiers and their families, and work with the unit commanders to provide deployment preparedness and information.
The SFRG leaders work with the Commanding Officers (COs) to provide a more personal approach to the welfare and needs of families in the unit.
However, they are most often known for communicating information and providing support to families and spouses during deployments. (This is all done while maintaining OPSEC by communicating directly with spouses.)
The SFRG leaders are in a unique position to know exactly what families and spouses need. The group is typically comprised of soldiers, family members and other volunteers within the unit’s reach.
How do I find my SFRG?
There are a few ways to go about finding your SFRG. All you need to know is your base location and the unit name or number.
The official Army MWR website has links to a majority of the SFRG websites for each unit/base located here.
If your installation is not listed, or a link is faulty, search online to find the website for your specific base.
Once on their website, you can use the search bar and type in “SFRG” or “Army Community Service”. (The ACS program is a larger program designed to better the quality of life for service members and their families.)
Another search term you can use is “MWR”, which stands for Morale, Welfare, and Readiness. This is another program that helps soldiers and families find community and resources.
You can also try searching on Facebook, where there is usually a group created by the SFRG for your unit or area.
Who can be an SFRG leader?
In order to be part of your unit’s SFRG leadership, you have to meet a few requirements.
One, you must be directly involved with the unit or area you want to volunteer in, whether that is as a soldier, family member, or civilian employee.
Two, you must complete the leader training. Contact your local SFRG for more information.
Three, be willing and able to adhere to the responsibilities, such as maintaining confidentiality.
Who can be a Key Contact?
Key Contacts are a specific role within the SFRG. They communicate directly with family members, dispel rumors, and are trained to handle crisis calls.
The first requirement is that you must meet all of the requirements to be an SFRG leader.
Second, you must complete an additional training specifically for Key Contacts. (Again, reach out to your SFRG for more information.)
The main difference between an SFRG leader and a Key Contact? The Key Contact is more directly involved with contacting and receiving information from members and families within the unit.
How do I become an SFRG leader?
Are you interested in becoming an SFRG leader?
You will need to contact your SFRG or Unit Commander. They will direct you to a point of contact for completing the necessary training needed to become an SFRG leader.
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.
