MFLC program provides tools to fight stress

Sgt. William Bolderson

11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs

“A growing number of military personnel and their families are reporting emotional problems resulting from deployment stress,” according to the American Psychological Association.

The ongoing war on terrorism and frequent deployments has placed high stresses on the average military family. Family members struggle with single parenting resulting from deployments, child care issues, fluctuations in finance, relocations and other issues.

The Military and Family Life Consultant program was recently embedded within the 11th Air Defense Artillery in late January, providing Soldiers another resource to combat these issues within the military lifestyle.

“It is a helpful program,” said Staff Sgt. Calvin Bright, a platoon leader for Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 11th ADA Bde. “It gives Soldiers an outlet to talk about problems they wouldn’t normally talk about.”

The MFLC program was started as a pilot program in 2004 to meet the emerging needs of the servicemembers. Today, it is a military-wide initiative, giving field commanders the augmentation they need to care for Soldiers and family members during their vulnerable periods. 

“By being embedded, our Military and Family Life Consultant becomes a more visible member of the brigade team, applying skills and expertise in a very timely manner.” said Col. Joseph DeAntona, commander of the 11th ADA Brigade. “The MFLC is one of many recourses available to our Soldiers and families, which will assist us in providing for their overall health and welfare.”

All consultants are master’s or doctoral level licensed clinicians, trained on branch-specific cultural issues. They are dedicated experts that help Soldiers and their families understand the impact of stress, deployments, family reunions and stresses of the military lifestyle. They help Soldiers learn through individual sessions, presentations, or support groups and classes, dealing with stress management, anger management, communicating, relationship issues, productivity at work, conflict resolution, parenting and decision-making skills.

MFLCs provide services both on and off post, except for place of residence. The embedded consultants rotate among service installations every 90 days to meet the emerging needs such as deployments, extensions of deployments, returns and reintegration. They also coordinate activities and priorities with Army Community Service.

“Observe the Army Values,” said Bright. “Courage doesn’t always mean fighting the enemy on the battlefield. A lot of times the enemy is within, mentally and emotionally. Have the courage to go talk to someone if you need help.”

The consultant for the 11th ADA Bde. can be located at Bldg. 2476, Room 109, or can be reached at 309-4794.