PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Effective immediately, Army Directive 2019-17 (Changes to the Soldier and Family Readiness Group Program), dated 01 APR 2019, policy supersedes Family Readiness Group (FRG) Program policy currently published in AR 608-1, Appendix J.

     a. FRGs will be referred to as SFRGs, and commands will take appropriate steps to correct the name in all program communications. Changing the name critically links the Soldier’s readiness to the Family. It also ensures that commanders incorporate all unit personnel, including single Soldiers and their Families, into the communication activities and community network of the SFRG. The SFRG remains a unit commander’s program formed in accordance with reference 1g and established at the company level.
     b. The primary goals and expectations of SFRGs are to:
         (1) act as an extension of the unit command in providing official and accurate command information to Soldiers and their Families,
         (2) connect Soldiers and Families to the chain of command and provide support between the command and SFRG members,
         (3) connect SFRG members to available on- and off-post community resources, and
         (4) offer a network of mutual support.
     c. SFRGs may conduct support and recognition activities that benefit members, such as births, birthdays, post-deployment recognition, and other social activities that benefit the SFRG. These activities greatly enhance Soldier and Family camaraderie, relieve stress, and reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation.
     d. The unit will have a standard operating procedure that:
         (1) will include an up-to-date alert roster and communication procedures.
         (2) may include additional information such as frequency of staff and committee meetings and an outline of the unit communication network (including social media), control measures for informal funds, audits, and fundraising approval procedures. Commanders will not add additional reporting requirements to the operation and execution of SFRGs.

Fundraising. SFRG fundraising will be approved at the battalion level (or equivalent), after consultation with the local ethics counselor. A copy of the approval (memorandum or email) will be forwarded.  Fundraising for reserve component SFRGs is authorized proximal to the armory or readiness center or within the local community after consultation with the local ethics counselor and upon approval by the O-6 commander in the chain of command.

     (1) SFRGs may not engage in external fundraising with commercial or private entities and may not solicit gifts and donations. However, in accordance with reference 1e and with the advice of an ethics counselor, commanders may, in response to an appropriate inquiry, inform potential donors of the needs of the Army in relation to assisting Army Families.
     (2) SFRGs may not enter into commercial sponsorship agreements. Commercial sponsorship is an agreed upon arrangement under which a business provides assistance, funding, goods, equipment, or services in exchange for public recognition or other promotional opportunities on the installation.