FRG and FRSAs

FRSAs are a BLESSING to a unit, but they are NOT FRG LEADERS. That's my opinion, anyway. The unit Commander is ultimately responsible for the support of his unit families, and the Family Readiness Group. The Family Readiness Support Assistant is part of the staff structure, helping to get the administrative work done, in support of these families. The FRSA works for the Commander, not the Commander's wife (although the Commander and his wife really can be a good team together).

Should FRSAs go to meetings? What role should they have at these meetings?

Does your unit FRSA do newsletters? Are they in control of the unit web site(s), moderating membership lists and information flow, as per the Commander's intent?

When a unit is deployed, it is ESSENTIAL for each FRG make sure their families' contact information is up-to-date (although this relies on families offering updates). The FRGs must keep this information flowing to the Rear Detachment Command (BN, BDE, whatever). The FRSA can help in making sure this information is coordinated and in a format usable by the Rear D.

Families can call the FRSA, if this person is approachable, and get information on needed resources. Does this mean the FRSA is usurping the role of the FRG Leader, or a link to Families who may not want someone else in the unit knowing their info?

Please add your input. I'll post more topics for discussion, too. Pass along the link to this blog. Let's get talking. Hooah!