ORIENTATION HANDBOOK

FAMILY READINESS GROUP

(FRG) VOLUNTEERS

VERSION 1.3 PUBLISHED 21 NOVEMBER 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME…….……………………………………………….….....3

GETTING STARTED….……………………………………..……..10

BEST PRACTICES…..………………………………………….…31

MILITARY 101………………………………………………………39

BRIGADE OVERVIEW & RESOURCES ………………………..43

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES……………………………………...47

ONLINE RESOURCE DIRECTORY……………………………...54

WELCOME

STATE FAMILY PROGRAMS WELCOME LETTER

FAMILY READINESS FLOW CHART

ACRONYM GLOSSARY

Dear Volunteers, On behalf of Family Programs I would like to welcome you to the MN Family Readiness Group (FRG) Program. We are thrilled that you want to support the MN Army National Guard Service Members and Families. Your dedication and time are very much appreciated. This orientation guide has been created to help assist you in getting started with your new role with the FRG. You will find some basic information on the FRG, best practices, helpful resources, history of the unit you support, and also a checklist to help make sure you take it all in. If at any time you have questions about anything you read please contact your FRSA or myself and we can help you through it. So again, thank you for your service and commitment and we look forward to working with you and supporting you in your new role! Jan Fournier MN Senior Family Readiness Support Assistant jan.k.fournier.ctr@mail.mil 651-282-4208

AFTB Army Family Team Building

ANG / ARNG Army National Guard / Air National Guard

AR Army Regulations

ARC American Red Cross

Arforgen Army Force Generation (referenced from article in handbook)

BCT Brigade Combat Team

BDE Brigade

BN Battalion

BSB Brigade Support Battalion

BSTB Brigade Special Troop Battalion

BTYR Beyond the Yellow Ribbon

CAB Combined Arms Battalion

CAV Calvary

CDR / CMD Commander/Command

CNO Casualty Notification Officer

DCS Deployment Cycle Support

DEERS Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System—TRICARE

DIV Division

DoD Department of Defense

ESGR Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves

FA Field Artillery

FAC Family Assistance Center

FRA Family Reintegration Academy

FRG Family Readiness Group

FRSA Family Readiness Support Assistant

FYI For Your Information

IN/INF Infantry

JSS Joint Services Support (Website)

LES Leave and Earnings Statement

MFLC Military Family Life Consultant

MNANG Minnesota Army National Guard

MNGYC Minnesota Guard Youth Camp

MOS Military One Source

MPOC Military Point of Contact

FRG Volunteer Orientation Handbook: Frequently Used Acronyms

Referenced in handbook

MRE Mission Rehearsal Exercise (also refers to ‘Meals Ready to Eat’)

NACCRRA National Association of Child Care Resources & Referral Agencies

NCO Noncommissioned Officer

OMCC Operation Military Child Care

OMK Operation Military Kids

OPSEC Operation Security

PAO Public Affairs Officer

POC Point of Contact

POS Point of Service

RDC Rear Detachment Commander

SOMK Speak Out for Military Kids

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

STX Situational Training Exercise

USAFR Unites States Air Force Reserves

VA Department of Veterans Affairs (formerly Veterans Administration)

vFRG Virtual Family Readiness Group (FRG website)

VTC Video Teleconferencing

30 Day Event Reintegration event held for Soldier and Family Members 30 Days after the Troops return home from deployment.

60 Day Event Reintegration event held for Soldiers and Family Members 60 Days after the Troops return home from deployment.

90 Day Event Reintegration event for Soldiers only. Held approximately 90 Days after the Troops return home from deployment.

ACU Army Combat Uniform (current uniform worn by Soldier)

AD Active Duty

ADJ Adjutant

AER Army Emergency Relief

AFAP Army Family Action Plan

AG Adjutant General

AGR Active Guard and Reserves

FRG Volunteer Orientation Handbook: Frequently Used Acronyms

Referenced in handbook continued...

Other frequently used acronyms...

FRG Volunteer Orientation Handbook: Frequently Used Acronyms

Other frequently used acronyms...

AIT Advanced Infantry Training

AKO Army Knowledge Online

APF Appropriated Funds

APFT Army Physical Fitness Test

ARNGUS Army National Guard of the United States

AT Annual Training

BDU Battle Dress Uniform (former uniform worn by Soldier)

BLUF Bottom Line Up Front

BTRY Battery

CAO Casualty Assistance Officer

CG Commanding General

CO Company

COB Close of business

EIN Employer Identification Number (IRS)—needed for FRG checking

ETA Estimated Time of Arrival

FCP Family Care Plan

FDU Full Dress Uniform

FPA Family Prep Academy (Soldier/Family training held prior to deployment)

FRA Family Reintegration Academy (Family Training held prior to Troops return from deployment)

FRPT Family Readiness Programs Training

FYSA For Your Situational Awareness

HHC Headquarters and Headquarters Company

JAG Judge Advocate General

MACOM Major Army Command

NAF Non-Appropriated Funds

NGB National Guard Bureau

NGR National Guard Regulation

FRG Volunteer Orientation Handbook: Frequently Used Acronyms

Other frequently used acronyms…

NLT No later than

OIC Officer-in-charge

PERSEC Personal Security

PT Physical Training

RD Rear Detachment

REG Regulation

REGT Regiment

ROTC Reserve Officer’s Training Corps

SFPD State Family Program Director

SM Servicemember / Service Member

SQD Squad

SQDN Squadron

SRP Soldier Readiness Process

TAG The Adjutant General

TDY Temporary Duty

USAR U.S. Army Reserve

VEAP Veterans Educational Assistance Program

V/R, Very Respectfully, (e-mail etiquette closing for e-mails to Command)

XO Executive Officer

GETTING STARTED

GETTING STARTED CHECKLIST

ONLINE RESOURCES REGISTRATION

JOINT SERVICES SUPPORT (JSS) GUIDE

FAMILY READINESS GROUP (FRG) BASICS

“FAMILY READINESS IN THE ARFORGEN CYCLE”

VOLUNTEER POSTION DESCRIPTIONS

VOLUNTEER PAPERWORK

FRG GOAL WORKSHEET

GETTING STARTED: PAPERWORK

NOTES

Review Family Readiness Group Basics Section

Read: “Family Readiness in the Arforgen Cycle”

Review volunteer position description

Obtain official position appointment memo

Return a Copy to FRSA

Complete MN National Guard Family Programs Volunteer Agreement

Return a Copy to FRSA

Complete DD Form 2793 Volunteer Agreement

Return a Copy to FRSA

If applicable, complete new FRG charter application (A new or updated charter must be submitted to State Family Programs whenever there is a change to the Commander or FRG Leader on the previous charter).

Return a Copy to FRSA

For Treasurers ONLY, complete FRG grant application ($1,000 grant available to FRGs on an annual basis)

Return original to FRSA

Complete FRG Goal Worksheet

Return a Copy to FRSA

ONLINE RESOURCE REGISTRATION

Suggested Best Practices:

Use an existing FRG email or create a new email i.e. BravoCompanyFRG@gmail.com for

all official FRG communication

Use personal (not FRG) email to sign up for online resources

Notes

Sign up: Joint Services Support Website

Sign up: Virtual Family Readiness Group Website

Sign up: My Army One Source Website

Sign up: Military OneSource Website

FAMILY READINESS ONLINE RESOURCES

JOINT SERVICES SUPPORT: www.jointservicessupport.org

The JSS provides you access to the professional management tools and resources you can use to organize activities, create a network of Guard Families and Family members, or find assistance to improve your daily life. This is also where you will log you volunteer hours. User Name and Password: ___________________________________________

BEYOND THE YELLOW RIBBON: www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is a comprehensive program that creates awareness for the purpose of connecting Service members and their families with community support, training, services and resources. User Name and Password: ___________________________________________

MILITARY ONESOURCE: www.militaryonesource.mil

This is a U.S. Department of Defense program that provides resources and support to active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members and their families anywhere in the world. The program is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at no cost to users. User Name and Password: ___________________________________________

vFRG (VIRTUAL FAMILY READINESS GROUP): www.armyfrg.org

The vFRG is designed to support and improve how information is passed to families when Soldiers are deployed. It also allows for better communication with the command and with the FRG members on a year round basis. User Name and Password: ___________________________________________

ARMY ONESOURCE: www.myarmyonesource.com

Provides training and knowledge to support the total Army effort. It also provides information, services and much-needed outreach to military service members and their families. Email address used to register for mailing list: ___________________________________________

FAMILY READINESS GROUP BASICS

FRG AUTHORITY

According to Army Regulations (608-1), the FRG is; a commander’s program formed in accordance with

AR 600-20 and AR 608-1 Appendix J to provide activities and support that encourage self-sufficiency

among its members by providing information, referral assistance, and mutual support.

FRG DEFINITION

AR 608-1 continues to state; An FRG is a command-sponsored organization of Soldiers, civilian

employees, family members (immediate and extended) and volunteers belonging to a unit.

THE FRG IS NOT...

Just for deployment

The ladies’ coffee group

Only for people with “problems”

A babysitting service

Part of the casualty notification process

Fundraising entity for the unit

FRG MISSION

Act as an extension of the unit in providing official, accurate command information

Provide mutual support between the command and the FRG members.

Allow Commanders to have a connection to the pulse of family issues and needs.

Assist families by collaborating with civilian and military personnel and referring them to appropriate

agencies & resources.

Provide a connection to the unit through which families are able to develop friendships and receive

moral support.

FRG DOCUMENTS

There are several important documents that support a Commander’s family readiness program.

Note: A copy of these documents are kept at the unit in the FRG Binder or Treasurer Binder.

To review these documents, you can request a copy of these documents from the commander

or unit staff.

Family Readiness Plan: Establishes procedures for the unit and FRG in order to promote family

Programs which benefit Soldiers and their Families.

Communication Plan: Establishes procedures in regards to communication between command,

Family Readiness Group (FRG) leadership, and military Families for the unit and FRG.

FAMILY READINESS GROUP BASICS

FRG DOCUMENTS CONTINUED…

FRG Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): Provides guidance for sustaining family readiness

group (FRG) activities for a specific unit.

FRG Informal Funds SOP: Provides procedures for managing the FRG Informal Funds.

FRG RELATIONSHIPS

In order to have an effective and efficient FRG, many people must be involved. The Commander of the

unit, the FRG Leader, the FRG Treasurer, Alternate Treasurer and the FRG Secretary are the key vol-

unteer members of the leadership group. Before starting to volunteer all volunteers within the FRG must

first complete a state Volunteer Agreement and fill out a DD Form 2793, both found at the end of this

section. Upon completion, these documents should be submitted to the Battalion Family Readiness Sup-

port Assistant (FRSA) to be sent to State Family Programs.

FRG MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to individuals who are part of the Soldier’s support system.

Commanders

Service Members (both married and single)

Any family member (Spouses, Children, Parents, Siblings, Grandparents, Etc.)

Girlfriend / Boyfriend

Fiancés

Retirees

Friends

Community Members

FRG ACTIVITIES

The activities of an FRG fit into two basic categories: mission essential and non-mission essential.

MISSION ESSENTIAL

FRG Member Meetings: The frequency will vary on the deployment cycle stage and is defined in

the Commander’s Family Readiness Plan.

Resource & Referral: Stay up to date on family assistance resources but do not try to be the subject

matter expert on all resources. If an individual is requesting an overview of resources available to

them, refer them to their local Family Assistance Center (FAC).

FAMILY READINESS GROUP BASICS

MISSION ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES CONTINUED...

Collection and Maintenance of Family Information: Soldiers are often asked to complete a Soldier

Family Information Data form on which they designate a primary and secondary point of contact

(POC). The data on these sheets can be used to update the FRG email distribution lists and phone

trees so that the POCs stay connected i.e. receive unit updates, FRG newsletters, an invite to the

Virtual Family Readiness Group website etc.

Note: A sample Soldier Family Information Data form is included in the best practices section.

NON-ESSENTIAL MISSION ACTIVITIES

Social activities: These are important for people to feel that they have support, but should usually be

paired with the distribution of information and available resources. Example: First half of FRG meet-

ing is an educational piece on a pertinent subject and the second half is for a social event.

Fundraising activities: The FRG is NOT a fundraising committee, though sometimes fundraising will

be necessary.

Note: The commander’s FRG Informal Fund SOP includes details on appropriate use of FRG funds.

FRG INFORMAL FUNDS

The FRG Treasurer and/or Alternate Treasurer are responsible for managing the informal funds

account. While the commander and FRG leader oversee the activity of the account they are not allowed

to be signatories on the account per Army Regulation 608-1, Appendix J.

Required Training: Complete the MN FRG Fund Management Training either online or at the annual

State Family Readiness Program Training to ensure an understanding of the proper use and documen-

tation required for the FRG Informal Funds account. See page 12 of this manual for details on access-

ing this training.

FRG COMMUNICATION TOOLS

FRGs have a range of communication tools at their disposal. At a minimum, FRGs need to have an email distribution, phone tree and Virtual Family Readiness Group Website to keep families up-to-date on events and resources. Additional communication tools are:

FRG Meetings

FRG Newsletter

Unit Newsletter

Facebook (Must receive commander approval and admin support from a full time unit staff member)

Sample MN Volunteer Appointment Memo

Sample MN Volunteer Agreement Form

Sample DD Form 2793—Volunteer Form Note: Treasurers and Alternate Treasurers fill out sections 1 & 2.

All other volunteers fill out sections 1 & 3.

FRG GOALS WORKSHEET

As you start out in your new FRG volunteer role we encourage you to explore and set new goals for your volunteer term.

Vision Statement: What would you like the FRG to look like this year?

Goals: What are your goals for your position and how will you achieve them?

Measurable Objective: What do you think the FRG can achieve in 3 & 6 months? Volunteer Name:

PRINT NAME:

SIGN NAME: DATE:

BEST PRACTICES

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE FRG EMAIL COMMUNICATION

FRG MEETING TOPIC GUIDE

TIPS FOR RUNNING AN EFFECTIVE FRG MEETING

SAMPLE FRG MEETING CHECKLIST

SAMPLE FRG MEETING SIGN IN

SAMPLE FRG MEETING EVALUATION FORM

VIDEO TELECONFERENCING GUIDELINES

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE FRG EMAIL COMMUNICATION

When sending out a mass email put recipients in the “BCC:” field so that they

remain anonymous.

Use a meaningful and relevant “Subject” line that reflects the content of the

Message.

Be concise and to the point.

Respond and forward on information swiftly – Especially when information is time

sensitive.

Answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions.

Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Avoid writing in CAPITALS.

Do not use email to discuss confidential information about Soldiers and Family

members.

When forwarding an email, unless stated, remove the personal information from the

original author and any other information that is not relevant to your audience.

Try to quote from the original message when relevant. You can break the quoted

message down into paragraphs and comment on them individually to make it

clearer.

When using an acronym for the first time spell it out i.e. Family Readiness Group

(FRG).

Only use acronyms if you are positive the recipient is familiar with their meaning.

Use emphasis where it is useful to do so. If your email system does not allow bold

or italics, a common convention is to use a *star* on either side of the word you

want to stress

When attaching a document, consider converting it to a PDF format, as everyone

can open this type of document. In the body of the email explain any attachments

Be careful before “replying all” to a message. Ask yourself— Is it necessary?

Proof read your email before pressing send.

Include a brief signature on your email messages to help the recipient understand

who it is from, especially if you are dealing with someone you do not know very

well.

Military Etiquette – When emailing Command sign your email with “Best Regards”

or “Very Respectfully” for officers (Lieutenant Colonel and above).

Always be polite. Terseness can be misinterpreted.

Be patient, especially with inexperienced email users.

Deployment Cycle Stage

Recommended Topics Overview Suggested Provider/Speaker

Pre-deployment

Family Preparation Academy (In lieu of meeting)

A one day program designed to empower and resource Soldiers and family mem-

bers to address the effects of combat operational stress and general issues prior to deploy-

ing.

BN and unit leadership, FRG, FRSA and various outside provider

stations

Pre-deployment

Organizing the FRG

Invite Loved Ones to learn about the FRG and volunteer opportunities. While it is critical to recruit volunteers, it can be

helpful to have a meeting to cover details.

Unit and FRG Leader, FRSA

Pre-deployment*

Media awareness Advise families on how to respond, dis-cuss social networking and OPSEC.

Unit and FRG Leader. Could also request assistance from FRSA or

PAO.

Pre-deployment*

Personal Safety and Discus-sion of

Family & Single Soldier check list

Many difficult situations can be avoided by planning ahead - Power of Attorney

(POA), acct numbers, doctor, dentist, eye care info, etc.

Unit and FRG Leadership, local Police

Pre-deployment

Effective Communication

Discussion of positive communication during deployment and the various styles

of communication.

Communication expert or commu-nity member.

Pre-deployment

Finances & How to read a LES (Leave and Earning

Statement) How deployment affects pay, lag in pay,

how to read a LES.

Unit rep who is comfortable ex-plaining a LES and fielding ques-

tions.

Pre-deployment*

Resource Fair Families receive pertinent information regarding Tricare, FAC, ESGR, MOS,

MFLC, etc. Local FAC and/or service providers

Mobilization Station*

CAO/CNO Process, Wounded Warrior

This topic is best presented after soldiers leave home but before they are in a com-bat zone. The speaker will discuss the process and provide an overview of

their program and hold a Q & A.

Casualty Affairs Liaison

Mobilization Station *

“Black-outs” & Communica-tion

(CMD vs. FRG updates)

What to expect during a blackout. This is a good opportunity to emphasize that the

FRG will not communicate information unless

directed by their CMD.

Previously deployed Rear Det Staff

Mobilization Station *

Red Cross/Emergency Leave Overview of American Red Cross emer-gency services that help keep military personnel in touch with their families.

Red Cross Staff/Volunteer

Deployment* Military OneSource (MOS) Overview of website and resources avail-

able to families.

MOS Rep or individual who has completed the train the trainer

course.

Deployment Leave/Pass requirements Expectation of soldier during leave Unit rep

Deployment* Coping with deployments Provide recommendations/best practices/strategies for coping with deployments.

Local Military Family Life Consult-ant (MFLC)

Deployment* Psychological First Aid

Coping with Deployments: Psychological First Aid for Military Families is a training

developed specifically to help military family members respond to the stress and

strain surrounding the deployment of a loved one.

Red Cross Staff/Volunteer

Deployment Getting through the Holidays Discuss potential challenges and strate-gies families can use throughout the holi-

days.

Unit and FRG Leader, FRSA, MOS resources

Deployment* Suicide prevention Overview of suicide prevention programs, services.

Chaplain, VA or DCS Advocacy Rep

Deployment* Relationship building/

rebuilding

Focus on communication, expectations, problem solving etc. Also, promote

Strong Bonds.

Chaplain or MFLC

Deployment Family Reintegration Acad-

emy (FRA) (In lieu of meeting)

The Family Reintegration Academy pre-pares family members for their Soldier’s

homecoming and informs them what they can do to make the transition go

smoothly. Held approximately a month prior to the return of the Soldiers.

BN and unit leadership, FRG, FRSA and various outside provider

stations

TIPS FOR RUNNING AN EFFECTIVE MEETING

Before the meeting:

Determine the purpose of the meeting. Are you planning an event? Putting together the

newsletter? Providing training or hosting a speaker?

What resources will you need? Childcare? Refreshments? Audio-visual equipment? Tables and

chairs? What size room?

Set the agenda and distribute it prior to the meeting so that everyone will know what to expect.

Ask for input if possible before setting the agenda or set at least part of the next meeting’s

agenda as a closing activity at each meeting.

Include a starting and ending time with the agenda.

Prepare any visual aids you will need.

At the meeting

Greet people as they arrive. If the group is small, you can do introductions as people come in.

Otherwise, do introductions as the first part of the meeting. Consider nametags if you will have

new people or have only met together a few times.

Review the agenda and set any ground rules.

Encourage discussion and participation. This may mean drawing people out who are not

sharing, and tactfully bringing others to a close.

Take minutes.

Summarize what has been accomplished or resolved for each agenda item.

Recognize success and achievement.

After the meeting:

Send out the minutes.

Follow up on action items.

Start the agenda for the next meeting.

Do all of the above in a timely manner.

Special tips for teleconference or virtual meetings:

Always check equipment before every meeting.

Send out the agenda early.

Have participants log on five to ten minutes before starting the meeting.

Avoid background noise.

Have participants state their name before speaking.

Don’t multi-task.

Describe or explain pauses for those who can’t see.

Sequence responses in a set order to avoid everyone talking at once.

Sample FRG Meeting Sign In

STEPS FOR UTILIZING VIDEO TELECONFERENCING AT FRG MEETINGS

The MN National Guard has many facilities throughout the State equipped with Video Teleconferencing (VTC) capabilities. This is a secure way for families throughout the State to attend their unit’s Family Readiness Group (FRG) meeting without having to travel long distances.

Setting Up a VTC Before the FRG meeting date, FRG Leaders interested in setting up a VTC should contact their Family Readiness Support Assistant (FRSA) or Rear Detachment Staff. Once the locations are chosen, a reservation must be made through the State’s online VTC reservation system a minimum of one week in advance, unless there is an emergency. Please note that VTC capabilities are only available at armor-ies. In order for a VTC to happen, a member of the VTC staff must be in an office at Camp Ripley or Inver Grove Heights, and a member of the armory’s full time staff must be present at each of the VTC location to open and close the building.

Attending a VTC The FRG Leader should have the phone numbers for all of the armory representatives for the locations being used that day. They should also have the State VTC number, 651-268-8874/8990, in case of any technical issues. Once the VTC is scheduled to start, a camera in the room will turn on to start the call. Armory representatives can help with any questions about microphones and remotes. FRGs are expected to follow the armory rules regarding food and beverages and to clean up after themselves.

Cancelling a VTC Occasionally, a VTC satellite location or entire meeting must be cancelled due to low attendance or

weather. Please provide family members, armory representatives, and the State VTC office with a

minimum notice of 24 hours of this cancelation due to weather or low attendance. If the minimum notice

cannot be met and the VTC is still cancelled, please still call the VTC Hotline, 651-268-8990 and the

armory representative.

VTC Best Practice Send out reminders/flyers and have family members RSVP a week in advance for the VTC to have an

estimate head count of participants. Also, select a FRG team member or family member to be a

host/hostess and greet family members as they arrive for the VTC.

MILITARY “101” OVERVIEW & RESOURCES

ARMY BASICS

ARMY RANKS

MILITARY CLOCK

PHONETIC ALPHABET

FRG leaders should have a solid understanding of MN National Guard culture and

history. Leaders who increase their understanding of military culture and history can more effectively align their support and outreach and strengthen unit level connec-

tions. The National Guard The National Guard is the oldest segment of the Nation’s military. The National Guard became the first citizen–soldier military whose role it was to protect the colo-nies. National Guard troops are now organized by state and during times of peace, they are under the command of each state’s Governor. National Guard troops re-spond to natural disasters and can also be called by the President of the United States to support Federal missions. The Minnesota National Guard The MN National Guard has more than 14,000 Soldiers (Army) and Airmen (Air) serving. Many people are surprised to learn that Minnesota, ranks 26th in overall population but has the fifth largest National Guard Structure in the United States. Take a few minutes to explore the MN National Guard website at http://www.minnesotanationalguard.org to learn more.

Military Terminology The United States Military (Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve) has long been known to have unique language and terminology. Acronyms and terms exist for many of the day to day activities and functions. FRG Leaders may need to understand basic mili-tary terminology as it relates to information passed down through Unit Leaders. Ex-plore the following websites for acronyms and terminology:

http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jel/doddict/acronym_index.html http://www.all-acronyms.com/tag/military

Military Rank A ‘Rank” system classifies service members into Officer and Enlisted corps. A service member’s rank is clearly identified on both working and dress uniforms. Rank defines pay grade and job responsibilities. Rank also dictates a ‘chain of command’ that specifies the protocol for decision making and the way individuals address each other. (An example of this is that only Officers are addressed as “Sir” or “Ma’am”).

CONTINUE TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR AN ARMY RANK CHART.

ARMY BASICS

MILITARY TIME

The military operates off a 24-hour clock, beginning at midnight (which is 0000 hours). See below for the complete time conversion chart. For most daily things, military personnel use local time as a reference. In other words, "report to duty at 0700," would mean you have to be at work at 7:00 AM, local time. When it comes to operational matters (such as communications, training exercises, deployments, ship movements aircraft flights, etc.), the military must often coordinate with bases and personnel located in other time zones.

12:00 AM -- 0000 hours

1:00 AM -- 0100 hours

2:00 AM -- 0200 hours

3:00 AM -- 0300 hours

4:00 AM -- 0400 hours

5:00 AM -- 0500 hours

6:00 AM -- 0600 hours

7:00 AM -- 0700 hours

8:00 AM -- 0800 hours

9:00 AM -- 0900 hours

10:00 AM -- 1000 hours

11:00 AM -- 1100 hours

12:00 PM -- 1200 hours

1:00 PM -- 1300 hours

2:00 PM -- 1400 hours

3:00 PM -- 1500 hours

4:00 PM -- 1600 hours

5:00 PM -- 1700 hours

6:00 PM -- 1800 hours

7:00 PM -- 1900 hours

8:00 PM -- 2000 hours

9:00 PM -- 2100 hours

10:00 PM -- 2200 hours

11:00 PM -- 2300 hours

PHONETIC ALPHABET

A phonetic alphabet is a list of words used to identify letters in a message transmitted by radio or telephone. Spoken words from an approved list are substituted for letters. For example, the word "Army" would be "Alfa Romeo Mike Yankee" when spelled in the phonetic alphabet. This practice helps to prevent confusion between similar sounding letters, such as "m" and "n", and to clarify communications that may be garbled during transmission.

A: Alpha B: Bravo C: Charlie D: Delta E: Echo F: Foxtrot G: Golf

H: Hotel I: India J: Juliet K: Kilo L: Lima M: Mike N: November

O: Oscar P: Papa Q: Quebec R: Romeo S: Sierra T: Tango U: Uniform

V: Victor W: Whiskey X: X-Ray Y: Yankee Z: Zulu

BRIGADE OVERVIEW

& RESOURCES

1ST ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM HISTORY & MISSION

SOCIAL MEDIA RESOURCES

UNIT HISTORY

1ST ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM 34TH RED BULL INFANTRY DIVISION

The 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 34th Infantry Division (1/34th ABCT) is an Army Na-tional Guard brigade headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota. The 1/34th ABCT is capable of sup-porting the U.S. Army with a trained and ready combat force and supports the State of Minnesota with troops capable of assisting civil authorities in times of emergency. The 1/34th ABCT's task organization looks much different moving into training year 2015 (TY15). In the new fiscal year (October 1, 2014), 1/34th ABCT added a third artillery battery to the 1-125th FA and stood up a Brigade Engineer Battalion (BEB) which replaced the Brigade Special Troops Battal-ion (BSTB). Additionally, the 1st Battalion, 145th Armor Regiment (1-145 AR) from the Ohio Army National Guard is in an aligned for training relationship with the 1/34th ABCT. The changes with the 1/34th ABCT stem from the Army's 2020 Force Structure Realignment an-nounced in June 2013 by the Chief of Staff of the Army. The new armored brigade structure consists of seven battalions: three combined arms, one cavalry (RSTA), one artillery battalion, one engineer battalion and one brigade support battalion. The armored brigade combat team is the largest brigade combat team formation with more than 5,000 Soldiers assigned. Eight major units now make up the 1/34th ABCT: Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) headquartered in Bloomington; 334th Brigade Engineer Battalion (334 BEB) headquartered in Bloomington; 1/34th Brigade Support Battalion (1/34th BSB) headquartered at Camp Ripley; 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment (1-194 AR CAB) headquartered in Brainerd; 1st Squadron, 94th Cavalry (1-94 CAV) headquartered in Duluth; 1st Battalion, 125th Field Artillery (1-125 FA) headquartered in New Ulm; 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 136th Infantry (2-136 IN CAB) headquartered in Moorhead and 1st Battalion, 145th Armor Regiment (1-145 AR CAB) from the Ohio National Guard which is in an aligned for training relationship with the 1/34th ABCT.

The new reorganization has been described as one of the Army's largest organizational changes since World War II. The end state for this Army transformation is to have modular combat brigades that are self-contained combined arms formations. There are three types of BCTs in today's modular Army; Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCTs), Infantry Brigade Combat Teams (IBCTs which in-cludes light, mountain, air assault and airborne) and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs). The 1/34th ABCT will expand the brigade's fires capability by adding a third battery to the existing 1-125 FA fires battalion. The addition of the BEB will give the 1/34th ABCT more engineer capabilities, including two engineer companies and a battalion-level staff capable of engineer planning and com-mand and control. The BEB will also be home to the 1/34th ABCT's military intelligence and signal companies. The aligned for training relationship with the 1-145 AR will increase the brigade's combat power and maneuver capability by providing a third combined arms battalion. The 1/34th ABCT is one of seven Army National Guard Armored Brigade Combat Teams prepared to deploy and conduct decisive action and sustainable land operations.

UNIT HISTORY

1ST ARMORED BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM 34TH RED BULL INFANTRY DIVISION

2013 Accomplishments In 2013, the Bloomington-based brigade continued its reset operations after returning from deploy-ment in 2012. The unit focused heavily on personnel readiness while simultaneously improving indi-vidual and collective skill proficiency. The brigade is one of seven Army National Guard Armored Brigade Combat Teams. In 2013, Sol-diers began new equipment fielding of the M2A2 and M3A2 ODS SA (Operation Desert Storm-Situational Awareness) Bradley Fighting Vehicle as well as the M3A3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehi-cles, M1117 Armored Security Vehicles and Assault Breacher Vehicles. The brigade celebrated its heritage this year by honoring the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Get-tysburg and is preparing to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the construction of the New Ulm Armory in 2014. 2014 Objectives As the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team transforms into the Army's 2020 Force Structure Realign-ment, the brigade and its units stand ready to provide personnel and equipment in support of fed-eral, state and community missions in order to assist and/or protect the citizens of Minnesota and the United States. The 1/34th ABCT is comprised of capable men and women, many of whom have served together during one or more deployments. The brigade recognizes the great cohesion and camaraderie that results from these shared experiences which greatly contribute to our success at home and abroad. The brigade has also learned a number of important lessons through deployments over the past 13 years. One of the most important being the invaluable support and assistance that our military mem-bers have and continue to receive from their families, employers, colleges and universities, neighbors and the generous citizens of Minnesota. The next two years will be an exciting time for 1st Brigade. Its Soldiers are about to embark on the best training opportunities that the Army has to offer with the Brigade Warfighter Exercise, an XCTC rotation and a National Training Center rotation.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS (FAC) OVERVIEW

FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTERS (FAC) MAP

STATE YOUTH PROGRAMS

MILITARY ONESOURCE

AMERICAN RED CROSS

TRICARE

ONLINE RESOURCES

When a military family experiences a crisis, the American Red Cross is there to help. Wherever their military service takes them, service members can rest assured that the Red Cross will deliver notification of an emergency such as the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, as well as the good news of the birth of a service member's child or grandchild.

Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, the Red Cross relays urgent messages containing accurate, factual, complete and verified descriptions of the emergency to service members stationed anywhere in the world, including on ships at sea and at embassies and remote locations.

Even if the service member receives an email or phone call from home, Red Cross-verified information assists the member and his/her commanding officers with making a decision regarding emergency leave.

Knowing in advance that communication links, access to financial assistance and information and referral will be available in an emergency brings peace of mind to service members and to the families from whom they are separated.

The American Red Cross Emergency Communications Center is available to help 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Call (877) 272-7337 (toll-free) if you are currently, or if you are calling about:

Anyone on active duty in the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force or Coast Guard

An activated member of the Guard and Reserve of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces

An immediate family member or dependent of anyone in the above categories

A civilian employed by or under contract to the Department of Defense and stationed outside the Conti-

nental United States and any family residing with them at that location

A military retiree or the retiree’s spouse or widow(er)

A Cadet or midshipman at a service academy; ROTC cadet on orders for training

A Merchant Marine aboard a U.S. Naval Ship

When calling the Red Cross, be prepared to provide as much of the following information about the

Service Member as is known:

Full legal name

Rank/rating

Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard)

Social Security number

Date of birth

Military unit address

Information about the deployed unit and home base unit (for deployed service members only)

ONLINE RESOURCES

ARMY / NATIONAL GUARD

CARE PACKAGES / MAIL

CHILDREN

COMMUNICATION

CULTURAL RESOURCES

DEPLOYMENT

DISCOUNTS

EDUCATION

EMPLOYMENT

FRG (ARMY ONE SOURCE) ONLINE TRAINING

HEALTH / MENTAL HEALTH

LEGAL ISSUES / ASSISTANCE

MARRIAGES / RELATIONSHIPS

PARENTS OF SOLDIERS

PET CARE

SOCIAL NETWORKING

SPOUSES & SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

STRESS MANAGEMENT

FAMILY READINESS ONLINE RESOURCES

ARMY / NATIONAL GUARD

www.minnesotanationalguard.com www.armyonesource.com www.militaryonesource.mil

CARE PACKAGES / MAIL

www.operationgratitude.com/ www.usps.com/shippingdates/welcome.htm

CHILDREN

After Deployment Adaptive Parenting Tools, U of MN, www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/adapt www.militarykids.org www.mnchildcare.org www.ausa.org/family www.mdva.state.mn.us/child www.guardfamilyyouth.org www.operationwearehere.com/Children.html

COMMUNICATION

www.skype.com www.magicjack.com www.google.com/voice www.yahoomessenger.com

CULTURAL RESOURCES

Culture Gram: www.militaryonesource.mil Free access through the DoD MWR Library Tab on the side of page The World Fact Book: www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook

DEPLOYMENT

Focus on Family: Know Before you Go: www.defense.gov/home/features/2010/0610_knowbefore www.ausa.org/resources/familyprograms/Pages/default.aspx www.operationwearehere.com/MilitaryLifeDeployment.html www.afterdeployment.org

FAMILY READINESS ONLINE RESOURCES

DISCOUNTS

Local Events and Deals: www.beyondtheyellowribbon.org/events-a-deals Store Discounts with ID: www.military.com/discounts/category

EDUCATION

Scholarship and programs: www.education4military.com Spouse Career Center: www.militaryonesource.mil Military Child Education Coalition: www.militarychild.org Service Members Education/GI Bill: www.gibill.va.gov

EMPLOYMENT

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve: www.esgr.org Family Medical Leave Act: www.dol.gov/whd/fmla Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development: www.positivelyminnesota.com Work Force Centers: www.positivelyminnesota.com/JobSeekers/WorkForce Centers

FRG ONLINE TRAINING (OPTIONAL)

Army One Source: www.myarmyonesource.com Online Training: 3 levels of Army Family Team Building (AFTB)

and the Getting Involved Module for FRG Leader Training

HEALTH / MENTAL HEALTH

TriCare: Military Health Care Program: www.tricare.mil Military Pathways: Free Mental Health Screening: www.militarymentalhealth.org Telephonic Counseling 24/7 and other resources www.militaryonesource.mil Exceptional Family member Program: Special services for disabilities: www.armyonesource

LEGAL ISSUES / ASSISTANCE

Legal Assistance – Refer to your Family Assistance Center www.minnesotanationalguard.org/soldiers and airmen/legal.php www.military.com/benefits/content/military-legal-matters

FAMILY READINESS ONLINE RESOURCES

MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIPS

Strong Bonds: Marriage Retreats: www.strongbonds.org www.militaryonesource.com www.5lovelanguages.com

PARENTS OF SOLDIERS

www.bluestarmoms.org www.operationwearehere.com/Parents.html

PET CARE

www.netpets.org/militarypet/foster.php (recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense) www.guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org

SOCIAL NETWORKING

www.facebook.com www.linkdin.com www.twitter.com www.picassa.com www.flickr.com

SPOUSES & SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

Spouses and Significant Others: www.militarysos.com www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil Military Spouse Magazine: www.milspouse.com Military Wives and Women in Uniform: www.cinchouse.com www.nationalmilitaryspousenetwork.org www.armymwr.com/recleisure/promotions/spousesresources.aspx

STRESS MANAGEMENT

www.hooah4health.com www.militaryonesource.mil www.defense.gov/specials/stressawareness