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Soldier Family Assistant Essay

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Solution In order to keep the Soldier’s mind on the mission, it is imperative that Army Family programs reach the Family members. The programs designed to help are in place, but are not getting to the grass-roots level. In order to achieve this, USAREC created the Soldier and Family Assistance Branch with a civilian employee in the position of a Soldier Family Assistant (SFA). There are six SFA’s; one placed in each Brigade and Battalion, located throughout USAREC. Their role is to serve as a liaison for Army programs and Soldiers and their Family members. When a Soldier is processing into a recruiting battalion, it is appropriate that they bring their Spouse or Family member so they are able to meet with the SFA. The SFA needs to have information readily available for those attending …show more content…

At the same time, should the Spouse or Family member not be able to attend, the SFA should supply the Soldier with a welcome packet, outlining all the programs available. Contact information for the SFA should be shared with the Soldier so that the Spouse can have a point of contact should any need arise. Moreover, the Soldier should also share his Spouses information with the SFA so that the SFA can reach out to the Spouse within the first 30 days of their arrival. This is a standard operating procedure for an SFA; unfortunately, they are not doing their jobs and are not being held accountable. In order to alleviate this short-fall, the SFA must be held accountable, and to the highest standard, by the command team. The ratio of Families per SFA is very high which is part of the problem; however, the SFA should be resourceful with their time in order to overcome this barrier. USAREC also has support staff within the Soldier Family Assistance program to assist with

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