Family Readiness Groups
What is a Family Readiness Group (FRG)?
Family Readiness Groups (FRG) function as a communications mechanism, bringing facts
to the families from command, and serving as an informal chain of concern to bring
issues back up to command. They are integral to the morale and support of Soldiers
and families before, during and after deployments. It is structured based on the
needs of the unit; some FRGs are large, very active and all encompassing to include
parents, friends and significant others in their information chain while others
are small and tailored only to the immediate requirements of a non-deployed unit.
FRG Resources and Information, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley
Weekly and Monthly News Updates, 1st ID & Fort Riley
Fort Riley & 1st ID FRG Resources, incl. Policies / SOP's
Fort Riley Network (formerly Fort Riley & 1st ID FRG Musters), incl. Slides and Minutes
Fort Riley & 1st ID Units' FRG & FRSA & S-1 Contact Information
Fort Riley units' vFRG sites, at ArmyFRG.org
Special Initiative: The vFRG
A new system, the Virtual Family Readiness Group (vFRG) web system, provides all
of the functionality of a traditional FRG in an ad-hoc and on-line setting to meet
the needs of geographically dispersed units and families. Unlike FRGs that are located
with the unit, the vFRG links the deployed Soldier, their family, the FRG leader,
the unit commander, the rear detachment, and other family readiness personnel on
their own controlled access web portal to facilitate the exchange of information
and provide a sense of community, using technology to automate manual processes
and provide enhanced services and communications.
What has the Army done? Over 1100 vFRGs are established linking Families on the
homefront to those forward deployed. The Army has limited development of vFRG sites
to units at the Battalion-level and higher in an effort to serve the most Soldiers
and families across the Active, Guard and Reserve. Waivers are available for separate
companies and other non-Battalion units with special needs.
What efforts does the Army plan to continue in the future? The vFRG is being redesigned
to address feedback from users and administrators and improve end user experience.
Marketing of these resources to commanders and families is an integral part of the
way ahead.
Why is this important to the Army? Family Readiness Groups are critical to maintaining
the strength, morale and information chain for Soldiers, families and Command. Elements
such as the vFRG program have proven to be overwhelming successes as additional
information sources directed to family members of Soldiers within the command. FRGs
leverage command and families; vFRG leverages technology for providing up-to-date
information and connecting families and commands.
For more information, visit
First Infantry Division vFRG or
www.armyfrg.org.