SOLDIER & FAMILY SERVICES

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES

The Army offers several unique programs to help Soldiers adapt to transfers and new tour cycles. Through briefings and a Web-based resource called the Standard Information Topics Exchange, Soldiers may access photos, maps, base housing floor plans and information on services and programs offered at the installation.

MONEY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Financial readiness programs are available to educate and counsel Soldiers in the area of personal finance. Through classes on money management, financial planning and insurance and consumer counseling, Soldiers learn how to eliminate debt and manage their money wisely.

FAMILY ADVOCACY SERVICES

A wide range of family advocacy initiatives are available to Army families, from new parent support groups to abuse prevention classes to assistance for families with special needs.

LEGAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES

Every Army post has a Legal Assistance Center that provides free walk-in services. The attorneys on staff offer advice on personal legal matters; review legal documents such as contracts and leases; and prepare wills, correspondence and other legal documents. Legal Assistance Centers also operate tax centers, with free income tax preparation and electronic filing for active duty Soldiers, dependents and military retirees.

DEPLOYMENT SERVICES

Predeployment and reunion briefings are provided through the Mobilization and Deployment Support program. The program offers classes for Soldiers and their families on topics such as how to establish and manage household budgets, how to communicate with children and how to prepare wills. Family members are encouraged to join Family Readiness Groups and maintain communication with the rear detachment of the deployed unit.

CHILD & YOUTH SERVICES

Army Child and Youth Services provide affordable child-care programs for Army families. Costs are typically based on rank and pay grade. Programs range from day-care facilities to sports and fitness programs.

• Child development centers provide full-day care, part-day care and hourly care for children 6 weeks to 5 years of age.
• Family child-care homes offer full day, hourly, extended hours and long-term care in government quarters and off-post residences.
• School-age services deliver before- and after-school care during the school year and camps during vacations.
• Middle school/teen programs focus on sports and fitness, life skills and leadership, arts and recreation and mentoring and education for youth grades six through 12.
• Sports and fitness programs are available for children up to 18 years of age and include team sports, individual sports, fitness and outreach.
• Youth education support services include school transition support, instructional programs, youth sponsorship and home-school support.
• Outreach programs include referrals to off-post child-care programs, parent co-ops, trained babysitters for evening hourly care and partnerships with community organizations.
  

ARMY MORALE, WELFARE AND RECREATION PROGRAM

The U.S. Army also offers a network of support and leisure services for Soldiers and their families. The Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation program delivers a wide array of recreation, sports, entertainment, travel and leisure activities for Soldiers and their families worldwide.