Posted on Aug 10, 2015
Honestly, do you think there is more emphasis placed on FRG than is really necessary? What should service members' roles be in this program?
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I guess the biggest push in this question is what should my role (as a service member) be in the FRG? Should I be required (as a single Soldier) to participate in committees, attend meetings? What input should the BOSS rep have in the meetings he or she is required to participate in?
Posted in these groups: 
FRGBetter Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) President
FRGBetter Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) President
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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conducted effectively, i think FRG is an invaluable asset to an organization. It helps bridge the gap between a Soldier's life and homefront. Helps keep families informed, brings members closer together, which can create a support system for families, gives the servicemember's family more comfort when they understand what the units are about. FRG explains that. Additional, Servicemembers often receive more support at home when FRG tells them the unit is going for 3-4 weeks for training than walking in saying im leaving for a month for work. Add creditability- less drama.
Having single Soldiers attend reduces divisiveness and a show of unity in,an organization. Soldiers and families coming together. Units need to show that no preferences or bias exist between Single and Married Soldiers. Leaving it everyone is one way to do that.
Having single Soldiers attend reduces divisiveness and a show of unity in,an organization. Soldiers and families coming together. Units need to show that no preferences or bias exist between Single and Married Soldiers. Leaving it everyone is one way to do that.
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
SFC (Join to see), we had pretty of single Soldiers come willingly. we started by giving them free food with potlucks, refreshments, and pizza partys. Single Soldiers love free food...lol. got them in the door, and many discovered that FRG was a good thing.
I started my comments saying "conducted effectively". When i saw FRG work it was because there was a clear and relevant agenda. it appears from your post, you don't think the FRG is relevant. Perhap, you can add value to your FRG by offering ideas to be supportive of divorced families or discover the FRG can add value to your life. You'll likely find another family with a similar feelings or experiences, be given resources to assist you. being divorced w/ kids you may need a break at some point. You may build a trust relationship and someone can help.
lastly, its not just about you. its building the unity of the organization as a whole. You're part of the team. You may need to attend to be plugged into what the other soldiers are being told.
I understand you may have some difficulty being around other people given your situation. However, you have to find a positive way of dealing with this. avoidance isn't the answer.
I started my comments saying "conducted effectively". When i saw FRG work it was because there was a clear and relevant agenda. it appears from your post, you don't think the FRG is relevant. Perhap, you can add value to your FRG by offering ideas to be supportive of divorced families or discover the FRG can add value to your life. You'll likely find another family with a similar feelings or experiences, be given resources to assist you. being divorced w/ kids you may need a break at some point. You may build a trust relationship and someone can help.
lastly, its not just about you. its building the unity of the organization as a whole. You're part of the team. You may need to attend to be plugged into what the other soldiers are being told.
I understand you may have some difficulty being around other people given your situation. However, you have to find a positive way of dealing with this. avoidance isn't the answer.
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SFC (Join to see)
I think you effectively described the intent. Unfortunately, reality often exists directly opposite to your description.
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SFC (Join to see)
Soldier do love free food! I would like to have seen the effecrively executed grouo to describe. My experiences seem to be more in line with SSG Jessica Marcelain. I do not like other people's spouses and children either. I've been in several units where FRG wasn't mandatory but you were threatens with punishment ot loss of personal time if you didn't sacrifice some of the precious little personal time you had. This caused bitterness and resentment across the unit. Most of the FRG became gossip fests and caused drama and devision. I like my small unit now. We don't have an official FRG, and we deploy/TDY/travel individually. All of the spouses know each other and have had common experiences. Even if they don't like each other, they support and check on the one that is alone. This is, as you said, effective for us. I think the challenge with larger units FRG is every one is without their spouse at the same time. And many may be experiencing it for the first time. I think our benefit is, even though one spouse is not going through it now, they just went though it. So they emphasise and consider that spouse that is going through it now. They remind each other and support and include that one without any of the units involvement. So long story short, I guess I agree with you. Just wish I could have seen "effective" FRG's when I was in larger units and had worse deployments.
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Your role should be completely voluntary. A single Soldier should not be "required" to attend however, it is always a great place to be for all Platoon Sergeants and by you attending, you are setting a great example. Additionally, since you are a leader in the unit (and attending), I recommend you make it a positive event and try to get the most out of it....make it fun and make it worthwhile. The experience you gain as a Platoon Sergeant will help you when you are a First Sergeant. You are rockin, keep on setting the example SFC (Join to see).
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SFC (Join to see)
Thank you CSM Michael J. Uhlig! I guess I am being a whiner about this stuff. I realize now that there is another perspective and I wasn't seeing it. Thank you FOr offering that!
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