for Spouse Pre-Command Course 14 May 2007

1. Using the SFA Wisely for Spouse Pre-Command Course 14 May 2007

2. Army Families The Acting Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff, Army have emphasized that Army Families are a key component of our readiness. Army Families shoulder a great burden of sacrifice, supporting their Soldier and often enduring long periods of separation from their loved ones. Top notch care and support of Army Families demonstrate our sincere appreciation and gratitude for their many contributions, and allow our Soldiers to fully concentrate on the fight and focus on their duties. Effective immediately, the word "Families" will be capitalized in all Army correspondence. (18 April 2007)

3. Quality of Life Vision: Provide Same Level Of Support To Our Soldiers And Families As That Enjoyed By Those Assigned To Military Installations. Challenging because... Soldiers are assigned to locations where they can be the most successful, not where they can receive the best support.

4. Soldier and Family AssistanceProgram Managers • Need for SFA in battalions identified in 1989 USAREC Family Symposium by Family member delegates. • 1990: Positions were recognized but not authorized. (Optional.) • 1993: Positions were authorized at battalions and commanders briefed CG on fill of positions during quarterly briefings. • 1994: Brigade level SFA positions were authorized and filled. • 1996: Positions changed to professional job series: GS-101.

5. USAREC Well-Being Network

6. Army Career and Alumni Program Army Emergency Relief Army Family Action Plan Army Family Advocacy Program Army Family Team Building Consumer Affairs and Financial Assistance Program Disaster Preparedness Elder Care Exceptional Family Member Family Member Employment Assistance Information, Referral, and Follow-up Nonappropriated fund (NAF) management Relocation Assistance Retirement Services Information Sponsorship Training TRICARE/TPR Volunteer Management Armed Forces Vacation Club (RCI) Program Responsibilities of SFA

7. Required Training • TRICARE Management Fundamental and Advanced Course. • Annual TRICARE Regional Update. • Army Family Team Building Master Trainer Course. • Family Advocacy Staff Training. • Annual Career Field 51 (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) professional development training.

8. Optional Training • Relocation Assistance Program/ Employment Relocation Service Training Conference • Alliance of Information and Referral Systems Training Conference • AFTB Core Trainer • Critical Incident Stress Management • Creative Training Techniques • Other professional development (automation, writing, briefing) • Correspondence/on-line training (Distance Learning)

9. Support Required by SFA • Office space for advising personnel and conducting sensitive coordination (medical, Family counseling, debt management). • Class A telephone dedicated phone line with USAREC SFA 800 line (790-0963) connection and answering machine. • Current office automation including hardware (all SFA/FAP issued laptop computer in FY 01), software, internet access, and dedicated printer. • Access to color printer and FAX machine. • Limited Nonappropriated Fund support for SFA programs. (Provided by HQ USAREC.)

10. Support Required by SFA (cont) • Access to GOV or authorization for rental or POV reimbursement. • TDY support for making assistance visits to companies, participating in state Interservice Family Assistance Committee (ISFAC), family symposia, and required training. • APA support for publishing information in unit newsletters and posting on unit webpage. • Budgeted OMA Funds/Nonappropriated Funds.

11. Technical Assistance for Battalion SFA • Supervised by battalion XO. • Monthly/quarterly reports to quantify services provided to soldiers and family members. • Program coordination/assistance from ISFAC. • Pastoral assistance by brigade chaplain. • Program assistance by brigade family advocacy program coordinator. • Program assistance by brigade SFA. • Program assistance by USAREC SFAB.

12. I WANT YOUR QUESTIONS