SELRES Family Readiness

Why Family Readiness Matters

Per MCRAMM Chapter 7 and MCO 1754.6MCO 1754.6, family readiness affects member retention, deployment success, and Marine Corps mission readiness.

Reserve families face unique challenges.

• Geographic separation from active duty installation
• Civilian community without nearby military support
• Member balancing civilian career and Reserve service
• Mobilization or deployment change
• Limited military culture exposure

Strong family readiness supports member retention and welfare.

Family Readiness Officer (FRO)

Per Marine Corps policy, units have Family Readiness Officers.

FRO Role

• Primary point of contact for family matters
• Coordinate family programs
• Communicate with family members
• Brief member on family resources

FRO Authority

• Specific authority for family programs
• Coordinate with member's command
• Specific resources at installation level

Family Programs

Various programs support Reserve families.

Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB)

Per MCO 1754.6MCO 1754.6.

• Education and outreach for family members
• Specific programs for various life stages
• Coordinated through installation MCCS

New Parent Support Program

For families with new children.

• Resources for new parents
• Specific support programs
• Coordinated through installation

Family Advocacy Program

For family safety and support.

• Domestic violence prevention
• Child abuse prevention
• Family counseling resources

School Liaison Officer

For families with school-age children.

• Education support
• Specific Marine Corps school programs
• Resources for child education

Single Marine Program

For single Marines (no family members).

• Recreation and social programs
• Specific support for single Marines
• Coordinated through installation MCCS

Family Notification

For specific events affecting member.

Mobilization Notification

When member mobilizes.

• Family notified through specific channels
• Coordinated with member
• Specific support provided to family

Deployment Notification

For deployment-related events.

• Family briefed on deployment
• Resources during deployment
• Communication support

Casualty Notification

If member injured or killed in service.

• Specific Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO)
• Family contacted per Casualty notification procedures
• Sensitive and supportive handling

Family Support During Mobilization

When SELRES (Selected Reserve, what most Marines call SMCR or the Reserves) member mobilizes.

Pre-Mobilization

• Brief family on mobilization
• Provide family resources
• Specific Family Readiness Group connections

During Mobilization

• Family Readiness Group meetings
• Communication support with deployed member
• Resources for family during separation
• TRICARE coverage and access

Post-Mobilization

• Reintegration support
• Specific deployment support programs
• TAMP coverage during transition

Performance Steps for I&I Family Readiness

Step 1 - Family Information Collection

When new SELRES member arrives.

• Document family member information
• Family Readiness Officer assignment
• Family contact information
• Family Care Plan if applicable

Step 2 - Initial Family Briefing

For new SELRES family.

• Welcome family
• Brief family on Reserve service
• Provide family resources
• Connect with Family Readiness Group

Step 3 - Periodic Family Communication

Throughout member's service.

• Periodic family newsletters or updates
• Family events at unit
• Specific family resources
• Mobilization briefings as needed

Step 4 - Specific Event Family Support

For major events.

• Mobilization
• Deployment
• Family emergencies
• Casualty events

Step 5 - Coordinate Family Resources

For specific family needs.

• Family financial support resources
• Family counseling
• Family education and youth programs
• Specific Reserve component family resources

Common Family Readiness Issues

Family Geographically Distant

Reserve family far from installation.

• Telephonic and electronic family resources
• Specific outreach programs
• Coordinate with member's drilling location

Family Crisis During Member Drilling

Family emergency while member at drill or AT.

• Coordinate emergency leave
• Specific family support
• Member release if appropriate

Family Care Plan Issues

Member's Family Care Plan inadequate.

• Counsel member on FCP
• Coordinate FCP completion
• Specific accommodations if needed

Family Member Health Issues

Family member with significant health issue.

• TRICARE access coordination
• Specific support resources
• Coordinate with member

Family Readiness Group (FRG)

Unit-level family organization.

FRG Purpose

• Connect families
• Support during deployments
• Provide information
• Build community

FRG Structure

• Volunteer family members
• FRO support
• Specific organizational structure
• Coordinate with command

FRG Activities

• Family events
• Communication with families
• Specific support programs
• Family education

Reserve Family Resources

Specific resources for Reserve families.

Marine Corps Family Programs

• Online resources at usmc-mccs.org
• Specific Reserve family programs
• Coordinated through installation

Veterans Affairs Family Resources

• Caregiver support programs
• Specific family resources for veterans
• Coordinated through VA

Military OneSource

• 24/7 confidential support
• Family counseling
• Specific resources for military families

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program

Per DOD policy.

• Pre-deployment family support
• During deployment family events
• Post-deployment reintegration

Coordination Touchpoints

Family readiness touches.

• Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS): For family programs
• Family Readiness Officer: For unit-level family support
• Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO): For casualty events
• Military OneSource: For confidential support
• Local community resources: For specific local support

Quality Control on Family Readiness

Common errors.

1. New family not briefed. New SELRES family without orientation.
2. Family contact information not current. Does not reach family in emergency.
3. Family Care Plan missing. Member with FCP requirement without one.
4. Family programs underutilized. Resources available but not promoted.

Related Roles

Family readiness affects every SELRES member's family.

• Marines keep family informed and engaged with unit family programs.
• Leaders support member family readiness.
• Commanders at I&I oversee unit family programs.