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