The Family Readiness Group (FRG) is an official Army program that is made up of Family members and Soldiers. The FRG provides a supportive, social, and informational connection between the unit and family members. Although FRGs are primarily self-sufficient and led by FRG leaders who are caring and dedicated “Family member volunteers working for Family members and Soldiers”, FRGs are also supported by an extensive network of professionals who can provide training, guidance and counseling.

FRG Leader and Volunteer Training: The following training is sponsored by the Mobilization and Deployment Readiness program. Please contact the the Mobilization & Deployment Program Manager for further questions, including class dates and times.

FRG Leader Orientation –This is a one-on-one session with the MOB/DEP manager, and it Includes an overview of the responsibilities of an FRG Leader. Please bring your appointment orders.

FRG Leader Training 101

FRG Leader Advance Training and Leadership Development - Advanced training is available through the Army Family Team Building (AFTB) Program

FRG Leader Volunteer Management Training

FRG Key-Caller Training

FRG Funds Custodian Training - Required of all FRG Funds Custodians, and recommended for FRG Leaders and unit leadership (held quarterly).

Crisis Intervention Plans for FRGs – Includes the roles of the FRG during a crisis and emergency situations.

FRG Leader Information Exchange and Training Forum - A support network for all FRG Leaders to meet, exchange ideas, and hear updates on FRG related matters. A different training topic is also presented during each of these sessions.Senior Leader Spouses and Rear Detachment Commanders are also invited to attend (held quarterly).

FRG Leader Online Course: This online course is available on the Web at www.myarmylifetoo.com . This course provides FRG Leaders an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of FRG functions at their own pace. This is an excellent resource for FRG Leaders; however, individuals who opt to take this training should also coordinate with the MOB/DEP Readiness manager to receive Mannheim-specific information and guidance. Note: All FRG Leaders and Funds Custodian are required to be on appointment orders. Please provide a copy to the MOB/DEP Readiness manager upon being appointed.

Resources: Family readiness impacts unit readiness. In addition to a supportive chain of command, an effective the FRG is vital, especially during deployments. FRG Leaders and volunteers are provided with the tools that are needed to maintain a successful and effective FRG through free training and an endless supply of resource materials.

All of the following resources are available under the "Managing Deployment” section at www.myarmylifetoo.com:

FRG Leader’s Handbook – The primary resource for information on managing FRG operations. The handbook includes a comprehensive outline of the roles and responsibilities of an FRG Leader and FRG volunteers. Original bound copies are available at the Mannheim ACS Mobilization and Deployment Readiness program office.

Operation R.E.A.D.Y Smart Book - Containssamples of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs), checklists and official forms required for various FRG administrative functions.

AR 608-1, Army Community Service, Appendix J - Army Guide to Family Readiness Group Operations - Provides commanders and FRG Leaders with official Army policy on managing and operating Family Readiness Groups.

FRG Supplemental Mission Activity Letter of Instruction (LOI)
Supplemental mission funds are unsolicited donations or gifts to the Army and intended for FRG or military family support. These funds are maintained and distributed through the Garrison. FRG Leaders must coordinate requests for these funds through their unit/rear detachment commanders.

Virtual Family Readiness Group (vFRG) The vFRG site located at http://www.armyfrg.org is the direct connection to Command information about the unit even during non-deployment. Registration is required. Note: All Soldiers should ensure that their spouses have an Army Knowledge Online (AKO) account before deploying.

Military Family Life Consultants (MFLCs) are provided through ACS to offer support and provide brief, solution focused, problem solving consultations to Soldiers and Families. The Consultants assigned to Mannheim can be accessed 24/7 via cell phone at 0176-299-87720 or 0176-680-04865. Walk-ins are also accepted however services are not “center based” and individuals can be met anywhere except in their private quarters or barracks.

Military OneSource – http://www.militaryonesource.com Whether its help with child care, personal finances, emotional support during deployments, relocation information, or resources needed for special circumstances, Military OneSource is there for military personnel and their families... 24/7/365! Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve (regardless of activation status) and their families.