Family Support and Services in the Army's Active Component during Early Stages ofOperation Desert Shield

摘要

This report summarizes an exploratory investigation of family services andprograms supporting the families of soldiers deployed in connection with Operation Desert Shield. The report provides information on the status of such services and programs for the Active Component approximately 2 months after deployment. The findings of the report are based on interviews conducted by an interagency task force at four Army posts. The task force members identified the following major issues related to family needs: (1) uncertainty associated with lack of information concerning the deployment; (2) inadequate financial resources; (3) difficulties concerning child care; and (4) lack of timely and reliable communication with both the Army and the deployed husbands. Resources available to families of deployed soldiers included formal and volunteer Army and community agencies, as well as relatives and friends of the families. On-post services were often provided through Family Assistance Centers. Rear detachment commands and Family Support Groups played an important role in some locations. Although we cannot generalize these findings, the results reported here will provide direction for a followup of this exploratory investigation.