Friday, March 27, 2020
What is it?
Army Emergency Relief (AER) is the Army’s emergency financial assistance organization and a part of the Army Team. AER was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on Feb. 5, 1942 by the Secretary of War and the Chief of Staff of the Army. AER provides Soldiers and their Families with financial assistance in the form of zero interest loans and grants to aid them in overcoming financial challenges.
What are the current and past efforts of the Army?
Since World War II, the Army and AER has worked together to provide nearly $2 billion in assistance to four million Soldiers and their Families. AER financial assistance is conducted within the Army structure by mission commanders and garrison commanders through Army Emergency Relief sections located at Army installations worldwide. Army Emergency Relief has provided:
Over 200 Army Emergency Relief Officers (AEROs) are stationed at 70 Army installations across the globe directly supporting the Army Team. Assistance is provided for a wide range of issues.
AEROs can provide information on more than 30 additional categories supported by AER. In addition, through the Quick Assist Program (QAP), the company commander or First Sergeant, as the chain of command, can approve up to $2,000. Assistance can also be authorized through direct access at the AER office by:
What continued efforts does the Army have planned?
AER continuously evaluates, expands and improves its services to ensure that AER meets the financial needs of Soldiers and their Families.
AER will continue to hold its annual fundraising campaign from March 1 through May 15. AEROs or unit representative can provide information on how to donate with cash, check, or allotment. Donations can also be made online.
Why is this important to the Army?
The financial readiness of Soldiers and their Families is a priority for the Army as it has a direct effect on mission readiness. Army Emergency Relief provides Army leaders an asset in ensuring a ready source of financial assistance to Soldiers and their Families. By providing zero interest loans, AER helps build Soldier and Family resiliency and instills financial responsibility.
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For 245 years, Soldiers have always supported each other, no matter how difficult the fight or circumstances… Your voluntary contribution to AER ensures millions of Soldiers and their families get financial support when they need it most, enabling them to continue to focus on their readiness and combat mission.
– Chief of Staff of the Army James C. McConville and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston, in a joint memo on the 2020 Army Emergency Relief Annual Campaign.