Program Background
- Program implemented April 2004 as contracted positions
- April 2006 – VCSA determined that the program is a mission support element and belongs to the Army Commands
- Per CG guidance, HRD implemented a temporary over hire program through FY08 – placing the employees in the GS system, funded and supported by HQ FORSCOM
- FY08 FRSA Program consists of the following:
- 16 Full time GS-07s – Corps/Division level
- 458 Full time GS-05s – Brigade/Battalion level
- DA FRSA Program
- Implement to Battalion level across all ACOMs
- Permanent positions on AUG TDA
- GS6/YB1 – Battalion through Corps
- Positions belong to the Commander (MSE provides admin support)
- Expected implementation FY10
- Hiring Process
- Senior Commander sets hiring action procedures
- FRG Advisors and Leaders are NOT part of the hiring process
Program Overview
- Commander sets the vision for the unit FRSA
- FRSA and volunteer FRG Leader work as a team to implement that vision
- FRSA is a unit level staff asset, who provides the Commander / Rear Detachment Commander / and volunteer FRG Leader administrative support regarding unit Family Readiness
- FRSAs do not duplicate services currently provided on the installation
- FRSA serves as the critical link between the Command Team and local community services
- Specific duties/prohibited activities of the FRSA are further defined in the FORSCOM Policy Letter, CG-2009-4
- FRSA is NOT the FRG!
- Keep FRSA work in line with Regulatory Guidance (The PD outlines the scope of your duties)
- FRSAs are Civil Service employees and must follow established work rules (overtime, comp-time, overtime forecasting, leave, etc.)
- Work FOR the Commander, SUPPORT the volunteer FRG Leader (FRG Leader does not supervise)
- Positions are administrative ONLY (plan, coordinate integrate…….they do not execute)
- Commander (or designated rep) provides daily oversight
What's Important
- Teamwork
- Command Team – CDR/1SG/CSM, FRG Leader and FRSA
- FRSA Network
- No hierarchical structure
- Informal support system
- Communication – keep commander/FRG leader informed
- Verbal
- How do you present yourself?
- How do you represent the command?
- Non Verbal
- Are you approachable?
- Is your attitude combative?
- Timekeeping
- Rumors
- Confidentiality
Commander/RDC Role (but not limited to):
- Responsibility for the FRG
- Responsibility for setting goals and mission of the FRSA in support of the FRG Leader
- Allocating FRG meeting support
- Appoint FRG Leaders and Co-Leaders
- Ensure FRG Leaders are fully trained and understand unit Family Readiness expectations
- Provides info and important unit news to FRG leaders
- Provides authorization letter for FRG volunteers to open and operate the unit bank account and informal funds
- Ensures all appropriate briefings are conducted throughout the DCS cycle
- Keeps FRG informed of any serious Family Readiness issues
- Assists, approves, and publishes the unit FRG newsletter
- Provides alert/recall roster to FRG
- Inform FRG Leader of newcomers
- Supports and approves FRG Fundraiser events
- Provide military and community Family Readiness info to the FRG and unit Family members
- Dispels rumors by providing official information to the FRG
- Recognize FRG volunteers by submitting for awards
- Plan, coordinate, and support the FRG during deployment and reunion events
FRG Advisor/Leader Role (but not limited to):
- Serves as the representative of all Family members which make up the FRG
- Is a registered statutory volunteer with the local ACS
- Has completed ACS led FRG Leader training
- Is assigned on appointment orders as the unit FRG Leader
- Direct liaison to commander on behalf of unit Family members
- Is a volunteer Family member of the unit
- Provides advice/recommendations to the Commander/RDC
- Communicates with Commander/RDC on Family member concerns
- Refers Family members that request/require assistance
- Provide advice/recommendations to the Commander/RDC on FRG Training
- Reviews FRG fund status with treasurer and commander at regular intervals
- Attend unit briefings through the deployment cycle
- Keeps Commander/RDC informed of any serious Family readiness issues
- Prepares and submits information for unit newsletter
- Assist Commander/RDC with updates/dissemination of unit FRG phone tree
- Ensures new unit Families are welcomed and introduced to the unit FRG
- Plans and executes approved FRG fundraiser activities
- Assists in dissemination of information to unit Families
- Dispels rumors by providing official information to unit FRG members
- Advises Commander/RDC on volunteers to be recognized for their contributions
- Plan and coordinate all deployment/welcome home activities through the Commander/RDC
FRSA Role (but not limited to):
- Under the direct supervision of the unit commander or designated POC
- Obtains guidance and goals of the unit Family Readiness Program from the commander
- Supports the volunteer FRG Leader, as directed, by the commander
- Assists all members of the Family Readiness Team in their efforts to achieve unit Family Readiness goals
- Researches concerns for FRG leaders and Family members and provides referrals to appropriate resources
- Assists with establishment of unit bank account and informal fund (does NOT handle any money for the command)
- Assists FRG leaders with all administrative aspects of conducting an FRG meeting (space, briefers, childcare, resources, etc)
- Assists FRG leader in obtaining Family contact information, as required
- Assists Commander/RDC with directing information on new family members to the appropriate FRG
- Assists FRG Leader with coordinating, scheduling, and marketing all unit Family readiness events, as needed
- Assists FRG Leader with production, publication, and dissemination of unit newsletter
- Gather community and local agency info for the FRG leader to disseminate
- Assist the FRG Leader with proper formats and submissions for volunteer awards, unit Family readiness activities, and fundraiser approvals
FRSA Program POCs:
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