‘Bulldog’ spouses train for FRG success

Sgt. John D. Ortiz

3rd IBCT, 1st Armored Div.

Some say it’s the toughest job in the military as well as in the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. 

It doesn’t involve walking long distances with a 50 lb. rucksack or calling for artillery support. The person doesn’t drive long distances hauling critical supplies, but they do drive short distances, make phone calls and worry 24/7 over their significant other.

The job is that of a military spouse, both males and females who have to take care of the home front when their partner goes on a field training exercises or deploys to another state or country.

“I knew before my husband joined the military that you become a family within the military and you’re either happy or miserable,” said Emily McCann, a member of the A Company, 125th Brigade Support Battalion Family Readiness Group.

“I heard an overview of FRG, but I didn’t quite understand the group or what it was really about,” said McCann. “But I realized going through this training just how much FRG is involved in the battalion and I think a lot of people don’t realize how important it is.”

The training provided by the installation Army Community Service showcased the different aspects of a FRG and how it is supported by both family members and the chain of command.

Twenty-three spouses, forming the core of each company within the 125th BSB FRG, packed a two-week course into a two-day training period that went from 5 to 9 p.m. on two subsequent days.

Throughout the training, ACS instructors made a case to talk to and inform other spouses of the benefits and advantages to a capable FRG program.

“I didn’t know anything about FRG at my last duty station,” said Larissa J. Tom, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and a spouse of a Soldier assigned to 125th Bde. Support Bn. “When my husband deployed, I went back home to Canada.”

“I just didn’t know what it was,” said Tom. “But going through this training I realized the program is full of resources and a lot of help is available to families.”

With previous individual experiences about the program being a rumor due to first-hand knowledge and TV programs such as “Army Wives,” ACS instructors told the class that they must focus on being an organization that enhances family support before, during and after a deployment.

“I want to help remove the stereotype that FRG is a place where ladies go to gossip about other military families,” said Tom. “And after going through this training, I even tell my husband what FRG really is and what it can do to help us.”

As a first time military spouse, Connie M. Hardman’s role as a FRG leader is interesting to say the least.

“It has its challenges,” said Hardman. “But it is very rewarding, because I am able to meet different spouses and help ensure families are being taken care of.”

The 125th BSB stood up the battalion FRG program in October and once individual training is complete, individual company commander under the battalion will have a functioning FRG program for their spouses and Soldiers.

“I didn’t know what the program was at first because it wasn’t very organized, but now it is a lot better due to the structure we now have,” said Hardman.

“It’s going to take a lot of time, hard work and effort because we are starting a FRG program from scratch,” said McCann. “But it’s going to be successful.”