Role of Installation Leaders in Creating a Supportive Family Environment

摘要

The Army has a long-standing interest in the welfare of soldiers and theirfamilies. A soldier's family affects his or her readiness and influences his decision to become a career soldier. The Army Family Research Program (AFRP) has found that a soldier's satisfaction with an installation's family environment correlates with his or her satisfaction with the military way of life. This report presents results obtained from an investigation of the role of installation level leadership in creating supportive environments for Army families. Researchers visited eight Army installations and interviewed a total of 21 senior leaders, 79 service providers, and 323 Army family members. The researchers used interview guides, focus group guides, and a short questionnaire to collect leadership practices information. The results of this research suggest the need for routine communication between families and installation leaders and the need to monitor family-related benefits. If the Army wants supportive families, it must train them in the use of communication channels. This training should include how to use the various processes as well as what to expect from having used a process. Leaders need feedback loops that work. When a leader sets up a family benefit (e.g., 'Family Time,' or a new child care facility), the leader needs to monitor the benefit to see if it is effective. Enhancing communication will benefit leaders, families, and the Army. (SDW)