Emotional well being, stress top issues facing command

Published May 2, 2006

WASHINGTON -- The military commitment that reservists make has a profound effect on their families, according to Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, chief of Air Force Reserve and Air Force Reserve Command commander.

That’s what General Bradley said during his testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations’ Subcommittee on Defense April 26.

“There is no denying the military lifestyle, the possibility of unexpected deployments, often into areas where there is unrest, can play havoc on a family unit,” General Bradley said.

In fact emotional well being and stress brought on by the duration and repetition of deployments are among the top issues facing the Air Force Reserve.

“The command has seen a 38 percent usage of face-to-face counseling service through free developmental counseling of six sessions offered per issue at no cost,” the general said. “The provider is found within 30 miles of residence rather then just at the closest military installation. In these sessions, there is a focus on grief and loss, reintegrating couples in their relationship and achieving a balance between work and life.”

The general said the command needs to improve its family readiness programs by making connections with families stronger, helping them become better prepared, and having a proactive outreach program to meet the needs of units and individuals.

AFRC family readiness offices provide the following services for the families of deployed reservists:

Family Readiness Data Card completed by member at deployment for special needs;

Information and referral services to appropriate support agencies;

Video telephones available at deployed site and unit site;

Assistance with financial questions and concerns;

A family support global communication network (FAMNET), which is available in 63 countries and does require Internet access;

Telephone tree roster for communication to the families from the unit;

Joint inter-service family assistance services;

Family support groups;

Crisis intervention assistance;

Morale calls;

Volunteer opportunities;

Letter writing kits for children;

Reunion activities; and

E-mails.

“What is amazing is that there are 21 full-time positions throughout the Air Force Reserve to handle all these responsibilities,” General Bradley said.

According to the family readiness office at Headquarters AFRC, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., family members are displaying the effects of mobilization and seeking assistance from readiness offices and organizations like One Source.

In 2005 there was a 12 percent increase in usage of Air Force Reserve Family Readiness support.

In addition to mobilizations, family readiness offices are supporting reservists with operational missions. In May 2005, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga., held a recognition event for family members and brought agencies from across the country to answer questions. A few months later, Dobbins found itself hosting displaced reservists and their families after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast.

Just as reservists are participating at far greater rates, family readiness work is a 365-day a year program, according to General Bradley.

“We now have demobilization training, and that is harder to get our arms around because members want to get home,” he said. “When they finally recognize they need help, we are left scrambling to provide assistance. This is additionally harder in places like Peterson AFB, Colo., and Maxwell AFB, Ala., where family readiness is an additional duty.

“The command is currently working on how best to help meet these growing requirements,” he added. “One thing that hasn’t changed is that families are proud of the military member’s role in fighting the war on terrorism.” (AFRC News Service)