Family Readiness Services (UPFRP)

Start Here If You Are New to UPFRP

UNIT, PERSONAL AND FAMILY READINESS PROGRAM (UPFRP) per MCO 1754.9MCO 1754.9 is the Marine Corps umbrella for unit and family readiness. UPFRP covers programs that support deployment readiness, family integration, financial readiness, and unit cohesion. Key UPFRP components. INFORMATION, REFERRAL AND RELOCATION (IR&R) program for relocation and resource information. MARINE CORPS FAMILY TEAM BUILDING (MCFTB) for family resilience training. PERSONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (PFMP) for financial counseling. SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM for new arrivals. VOLUNTEER PROGRAM for family volunteer engagement. FAMILY READINESS OFFICER (FRO) at every battalion is the CENTRAL POINT OF CONTACT for unit-level family readiness. FAMILY READINESS VOLUNTEERS (FRVs) support unit-level efforts. Coordinated through MCCS at installations. Per MCO 1754.9MCO 1754.9.

This page walks you through Family Readiness Services from your seat as a Marine. By the end you will know.

• What UPFRP is and its scope
• The Family Readiness Officer (FRO) role
• Information, Referral and Relocation (IR&R)
• Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB)
• Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP) overview (covered in detail in dedicated leaf)
• Sponsorship Program
• Volunteer Program
• Family Readiness Volunteers (FRVs)
• Coordination across MCCS programs
• How to engage UPFRP at your unit

Every fact on this page comes from MCO 1754.9MCO 1754.9, MCO 1740.13MCO 1740.13, DoDI 1342.22DoDI 1342.22, and Marine Corps Community Services published guidance.

What UPFRP Is

UPFRP is the policy framework and program structure for unit and family readiness in the Marine Corps. UPFRP exists to.

• Support Marines' personal and family readiness.
• Enable units to deploy and operate effectively.
• Provide consistent family support across installations.
• Reduce family stressors that impact mission readiness.

UPFRP Scope

UPFRP coordinates several distinct programs.

• Information, Referral and Relocation (IR&R)
• Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB)
• Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP)
• Sponsorship Program
• Volunteer Program
• Unit-level Family Readiness Officer (FRO) function
• Family Readiness Volunteers (FRVs)

Why UPFRP Exists

• Marines deploy frequently and operate at high tempo.
• Families bear stress of separation and relocation.
• A Marine whose family is unsupported is not mission-ready.
• Unit cohesion includes family cohesion.

The Family Readiness Officer (FRO)

The FRO is the central unit-level point of contact for family readiness.

Who FRO Is

• Civilian employee assigned to most Marine Corps battalions and equivalent units.
• Works for the unit but coordinates with installation MCCS.
• Maintains current information on installation programs.

What FRO Does

• Communicates with unit families about deployments, training, and unit events.
• Maintains the unit family roster.
• Conducts family readiness training and briefings.
• Connects families with installation programs and resources.
• Supports families during deployments and unit absences.
• Coordinates Family Readiness Volunteer activities.
• Engages with command on family-related matters.

How To Find Your Unit FRO

• Through your unit administrative section (S-1).
• Through your installation MCCS.
• FROs are listed in unit family rosters and command directories.

When To Contact FRO

• Before deployment to ensure your family is connected to resources.
• During deployment if your family experiences issues.
• For PCS coordination.
• For routine family readiness questions.
• For crisis situations affecting your family.

Information, Referral and Relocation (IR&R)

IR&R is the entry-point program for new arrivals at an installation and ongoing information needs.

What IR&R Provides

• Welcome packets for new families.
• Information on installation services and resources.
• Local community information.
• Schools and childcare information.
• Housing information (on-base and off-base).
• Recreation and family activity information.
• Connection with other military families.

When To Use IR&R

• Upon arrival at a new installation.
• When seeking specific resources.
• When relocating off-installation.
• When planning a major life event.

Where IR&R Is Located

• Installation MCCS office.
• Often co-located with Family Member Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) and other family services.

Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB)

MCFTB is the Marine Corps' family resilience training program.

What MCFTB Provides

• Pre-deployment family readiness training.
• Marriage and relationship enrichment workshops.
• Parenting skills classes.
• Communication skills training.
• Stress management and resilience workshops.
• Reintegration support post-deployment.

Why MCFTB Matters

• Deployment is hard on couples and families.
• Skills training reduces relationship breakdown risk.
• Resilient families bounce back from challenges better.
• Training is preventive, not just reactive.

How To Access MCFTB

• Through installation MCCS.
• Through unit FRO who can connect to local MCFTB programs.
• Many programs are walk-in or short-notice enrollment.

Specific MCFTB Programs

• Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills (L.I.N.K.S.).
• Pre-Deployment Family Readiness Workshops.
• Reunion and Reintegration workshops.
• Married Couples Workshops.
• Other periodic offerings.

Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP)

PFMP is the financial readiness component of UPFRP. Detailed coverage in the dedicated leaf.

Brief Overview

PFMP provides.

• Individual financial counseling.
• Budget development assistance.
• Debt management support.
• Major life event financial planning.
• Financial readiness training.

Who Provides

• Installation PFMP financial counselors at MCCS.
• Coordination with Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society for emergency assistance.

See Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP).

Sponsorship Program

The Sponsorship Program connects newly arriving Marines (and their families) with sponsors at the gaining installation.

What Sponsorship Provides

• An assigned active-duty sponsor at the gaining installation.
• Information about the unit, command, and installation.
• Initial logistics support (housing, schools, local information).
• Welcome upon arrival.
• Continued mentoring during the first weeks at the new duty station.

Why Sponsorship Matters

• Reduces the disorientation of arriving at a new installation.
• Connects new arrivals with their unit immediately.
• Reduces logistical burden of first-week tasks.
• Creates personal connection that extends beyond initial period.

How Sponsorship Works

• Receiving unit assigns a sponsor when the Marine's PCS is announced.
• Sponsor contacts the inbound Marine via email or phone before arrival.
• Sponsor provides information and answers questions.
• Sponsor meets the Marine at arrival and helps with initial integration.

Sponsor Responsibilities

Per MCO directives, sponsors have specific responsibilities including pre-arrival contact, arrival support, and follow-through during the first 90 days.

What If Sponsorship Is Missed

If you do not receive a sponsor, contact the gaining unit S-1 or FRO. Self-advocate for sponsorship support.

Volunteer Program

The Volunteer Program engages family members and others as volunteers in support of unit and installation programs.

Volunteer Roles

• Family Readiness Volunteer (FRV) at unit.
• Volunteer instructors for MCFTB.
• Volunteer roles at MCCS programs (CYP, Youth Programs, recreation).
• Volunteer roles at base events.
• Volunteer roles supporting deployments (care packages, family support events).

Why Volunteer

• Build connections in the unit and community.
• Develop or maintain skills.
• Contribute to unit and family readiness.
• Career-relevant for Marine spouses pursuing employment.

How To Volunteer

• Contact your unit FRO.
• Contact installation MCCS Volunteer Coordinator.
• MilitaryOneSource.mil has resources.

Family Readiness Volunteers (FRVs)

FRVs are unit-level family volunteers who support unit family readiness efforts.

What FRVs Do

• Assist FRO with communications.
• Help organize unit family events.
• Provide peer support to other unit families.
• Distribute information.
• Support deployment readiness.

FRV Training

FRVs receive training through MCCS to ensure consistent and effective support.

Becoming An FRV

• Volunteer through your unit FRO.
• Complete required training.
• Commit to ongoing support per FRO direction.

Coordination Across MCCS Programs

UPFRP programs do not operate in isolation. Coordination across MCCS programs is essential.

With CYP

When unit families have childcare needs (especially during deployment), FRO and CYP coordinate.

With EFMP

For families with special needs, FRO ensures EFMP coordination is happening.

With SLP

For families with school-age children, FRO connects with SLP during transitions.

With PFMP

When families experience financial stress, FRO refers to PFMP.

With Behavioral Health

When families experience mental health crises, FRO coordinates with Behavioral Health.

How To Engage UPFRP at Your Unit

Step 1. Meet Your FRO

• Within first weeks of arrival at unit.
• Provide current contact information.
• Provide family member information for unit roster.

Step 2. Attend Unit Family Events

• Family Day events.
• Pre-deployment briefings.
• Welcome events.

Step 3. Engage With Unit Communications

• Unit family Facebook page.
• FRO communications (email, text).
• Unit family websites.

Step 4. Engage With Installation Programs

• IR&R briefing upon arrival.
• MCFTB programs as relevant.
• PFMP if financial counseling needed.

Step 5. Volunteer if Interested

• FRV role.
• Other MCCS volunteer opportunities.

Common Failure Points

Disengagement From FRO

Marines and family members ignore FRO communications. Information missed.

Mitigation. Recognize FRO communications as important. Designate a family member to engage if Marine cannot.

Failure to Update Contact Information

Family contact info goes stale. FRO cannot reach family during deployment.

Mitigation. Keep unit family roster current. Update upon any change.

Skipping Pre-Deployment Briefings

Marines skip pre-deployment family briefings. Family unprepared for deployment realities.

Mitigation. Attend pre-deployment briefings. Bring family members.

Unmet Sponsorship

Marine arrives without sponsor support.

Mitigation. Self-advocate with gaining unit S-1 if no sponsor contact occurs.

Volunteer Burnout

FRVs and other volunteers take on too much.

Mitigation. FRO manages volunteer load. FRVs set sustainable boundaries.

Cross References

• For Family Care Plan, see Family Care Plan (FCP)
• For child care, see Child and Youth Programs (CYP)
• For special needs coordination, see Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
• For school transitions, see School Liaison Program (SLP)
• For financial counseling, see Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP)
• For overall MF framework, see Marine and Family Programs Overview and Authorities
• For PCS overall framework, see PCS Orders and Overview

Quick Reference

• Authority. MCO 1754.9MCO 1754.9.
• Umbrella. Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program.
• Unit point of contact. Family Readiness Officer (FRO).
• Components. IR&R, MCFTB, PFMP, Sponsorship, Volunteer Program.
• Volunteers. Family Readiness Volunteers (FRVs).
• Installation arm. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS).

Records To Keep

• FRO contact information at each duty station
• Unit family roster contact info confirmation
• Sponsorship correspondence
• MCFTB program completion certificates (if applicable)
• Volunteer service records

If you have a question about Family Readiness Services, your unit FRO is your first contact. For installation-level program questions, MCCS is the right destination.