Covenant Improves Life for Army Families

Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston reaffirmed the Army's commitment to Soldiers and their families by signing a family covenant Oct. 5 at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual meeting. U.S. Army photo by J.D. Leipold

Oct. 13, 2009
Elaine.wilson@dma.mil

Last week, I wrote about how top Army leaders re-signed the Army Family Covenant, reaffirming their commitment to Army families, during the Association of the U.S. Army’s family forum Oct. 5.

An American Forces Press Service article published today describes the effect the Army Family Covenant has had throughout the service, and the scope of its impact is impressive.

In the article, Kathleen Marin, director of installation services for the office of the assistant chief of installation management, says the Army has doubled its investment in family programs from $750 million to $1.5 billion since it was first signed in 2007.

 The AFPS article highlighted aid , the evolution of a few of these programs and initiatives, including:

– Adding 1,079 readiness support assistant positions;

– Increasing the number of military family life consultants from 144 to 212;

– Establishing Army survivor outreach services to improve support for survivors of fallen soldiers;

– Funding construction of more than 100 child development centers;

– Gaining support of 39 Fortune 500 companies that have helped to find jobs for more than 41,000 military spouses through the Army Spouse Employment Program;

– Developing the Warrior Adventure Quest for soldiers to participate in outdoor adventure activities that help them cope with re-integration after the stresses of a combat environment; and

– Getting 25 states to sign the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This affects 71 percent of military children.

The article also describes a new program called Comprehensive Soldier Fitness, which is a psychological fitness initiative that will build mental strength and resilience in soldiers.

To get the word out on the Army Family Covenant, the Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command has instituted an aggressive marketing campaign.

U.S. Army Accessions Command officials said they will get the message out to recruiting stations to ensure potential recruits know the importance of family members in the Army.

Events like the family forum also help spread the word. The leaders there definitely conveyed their concern and their ongoing support for military families.

To read the full article, go to Army Secretary, Chief Reaffirm Family Covenant.