The success of Army missions starts at home with the Families who support Soldiers. When military Families are prepared, then Soldiers can better focus on fulfilling assignments and engaging in combat. This readiness eases the military’s ability to carry out assigned missions and respond to challenges.
Dorie Hickson, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G9, said strong, resilient military Families have a direct impact on mission readiness, retention and the effectiveness of Soldiers in combat. Ready individuals are often more knowledgeable about the potential challenges they may face. When they are made aware of available resources, Soldiers and Families are more likely to incorporate the skills and supports to achieve and maintain their well-being.
According to DoDI 1342.22, military Family readiness is the state of being prepared within the unique context of military service to effectively navigate the challenges of daily living and military transitions. The Defense Department’s focus on Family readiness is linked to Military Family Readiness DoD Instruction 1342.22, which establishes policy, assigns responsibilities and prescribes procedures and requirements for supporting readiness through the Military Family Readiness System.
The Defense Department, along with federal, state and community
based organizations, operates this network of programs and services to provide assistance on and off post to support individual, couple, Family and community well-being. These efforts are designed to improve the quality of life, resilience and overall functioning of military-connected Families and directly contribute to Soldiers’ abilities to focus on their mission and maintain combat effectiveness and lethality.
A recent study by the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at the Pennsylvania State University examined the connection between military-Family well-being and mission and military readiness. Key findings from the literature review indicate that family well-being is associated with military effectiveness in the following ways:
- Service members being available for training and deployment.
- Service members being mentally, physically and emotionally fit.
- Service member resilience being connected to Family resilience.
Service members must be mentally, physically and emotionally fit to stay mission-focused during deployments. Strong Family relationships have been proven effective in allowing Soldiers to work free of distractions and stress while staying mission-focused.
Hickson said that half of Army Soldiers are married and 40% have children. The study’s findings indicate that frequent relocations, child care shortages, spousal unemployment, financial strain and marital stress directly affect readiness and retention. The study also found that divorce or separation is linked to approximately 15 percent of military suicides and Family relationship problems are present in over 25 percent of suicides.
“As problems are resolved spouses are more satisfied with military life and more supportive of their Soldier staying on active duty, having a positive impact on actual retention,” said Hickson.
Service members in stable marriages are more likely to remain in the military, but those whose relationships are strained are more likely to separate from service.
“Retention rates for married senior officers with supportive spouses nearly double,” said Hickson.
Military Families also provide essential care for wounded or ill service members, which can ensure their continued service or a successful transition to civilian life. Family members are the caregivers who manage medical appointments and rehabilitation and provide emotional support.
The connection between service member resilience and Family resilience was also demonstrated in the Clearinghouse study. Resilient Families were found to be knowledgeable, resourceful and equipped to actively manage the challenges of military life. These Families take advantage of available resources, are financially prepared and learn and use problem-solving skills that ensure Family readiness, which positively affects mission readiness.
The study found that a shared Family sense of mission enhances adaptation to military life. Service members experience greater support and fewer work-Family conflicts when their Families align with military values and purpose. Families with strong support networks experience better mental health and resilience through peer connections, on-base community resources and social support systems, all of which can mitigate stress and improve Family stability. Programs that teach effective parenting and coping strategies help Families manage military-related stressors to improve their overall readiness. Service members are able to focus on performance when there is strong Family communication.
The Army continues to make strides in its tasks of ensuring that Families are ready for the demands of military life and providing opportunities to strengthen their readiness and resilience. The well-being of military Families is important because:
- Their well-being affects an individual’s decision to enter the military and whether a Soldier will remain in the service.
- Psychological or physical problems experienced within Families can potentially cost money.
- Family issues can be a distraction from readiness, rendering a Soldier not able to focus on mission.
- Families support military missions by supporting Soldiers while they serve.
Families can establish traditions, like planning dinners or game nights, to strengthen bonds. These activities can strengthen Family readiness through:
- Exercise to bolster Family connections while relieving stress and keeping the Family healthy.
- Discussions with a Family therapist and activities like Family dinners, where the day’s events can be shared.
- Social activities through a local military
- Family support group, which keep participants informed and strengthen their social network.
- Spirituality or religion as a source of strength for the Family; this can be personal practices, support groups or a connection with friends.
More information is available for Soldiers and Families on the Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness website at Programs and Capabilities.
Social Sharing