Family Readiness Group, also known as FRG, is an organization that every military family is familiar with. This volunteer-run organization consists mostly of spouses that help families adapt to the military lifestyle and help with providing information about their loved ones. On the surface, they organize events such as picnics, coffee times, and weekend trips, but they truly function as a support system to help military family members through hard times.
FRG used to just be an informal wives group, but now nearly every military family is a part of it. It is typically frowned upon for married couples spouses to not be affiliated with FRG. As soldiers rise in ranks, there are also more responsibilities expected of the spouse. Spouses married to those in senior ranks are even expected to be leaders in FRG. One FRG leader had explained, “If my husband wasn’t the company’s commander, I probably wouldn’t have stepped up.”
Spouses learn to help their soldiers. But FRG allows spouses to help spouses. This is not to say that FRGs are without flaws. Due to factors such as work commitments, lack of tolerance for gossip, legal restrictions, lack of welcome, or lack of contact, some spouses may choose not to participate in FRGs. Some have full time jobs or their own businesses. In addition, few young people choose to participate in FRGs. Some spouses quit because of the heavy volunteering work required. They may feel burnt out, discouraged, or generally have less time for their family. With the increase in technology to connect with others, does this mean FRGs are outdated and unnecessary?
Research has shown that military spouses who do best during deployment depend on a service member, family member or longtime friend, and at least 1 person in the community. People need the face to face experience to get help. And FRG does a lot of tasks that are important to the community, including reading through Army regulation forms, checking information and sending it out in weekly newsletters, organizing single soldier dinners, visiting families in hospitals, and supporting mothers who have children with special needs.
Ultimately, stereotypes that FRG are just “drama clubs” can be harmful to the goals of the organization. Several leaders want to redefine the organization by building a supportive network and requiring teamworks. Each FRG will be different and unique its own way. Fundamentally, the leader plays the biggest role in their commitment to helping the community.
FRGs have evolved in the military from being a spouse club, to being officially recognized by the government. There are many different experiences and issues surrounding FRGs. Flight Talk would like to bring a new perspective to these issues and share the history and changes of FRGs.
Our upcoming mini season about military families will be launching on Friday, June 7th. Follow our Facebook page to stay up to date on upcoming announcements. Check out the podcast on our front page or your favorite podcast platform.
Sources
Comments