FRG Ideas!

[idratherbehiking]

Our FRO is also an active duty Marine, and many have them at the squadrons at our old base. Rumor is that will be the new norm to cut costs.

That makes sense. When DH was on recruiting our FRO was an AD Marine and we had ZERO spouses events in the 3 years we were there. I would maybe get 3 emails a year from the FRO. At this command, practically all the spouses/family events get cancelled due to "lack of interest". I hope the new FRO can turn this around.

[Margot31]

Can't the MC also have a Key Spouse..or at least I was told that 10 years ago when I went through an indoctrination.

[idratherbehiking]

Can't the MC also have a Key Spouse..or at least I was told that 10 years ago when I went through an indoctrination.

For the Marine Corps? No, I've been around for 10 years too and it has always been a "family readiness" program in the Marines. We have a family readiness officer which is a paid position, you have to have a bachelors degree, etc. Then we have volunteer positions like family readiness assistant, family readiness advisor, and regular volunteers.

I have 2 very good friends in the Air Force, and we lived on a USAF base so that's how I knew about the Key Spouse thing. Plus you pick things up by reading and googling what people say here on the forum. I was taking training classes to be a family readiness assistant for my DHs squadron in the Marine Corps so that's how I know how our program works.

This article will explain the programs and their names for the different branches: http://www.military.com/spouse/milit...and-downs.html

[twistertwin]

Before Family Readiness came about, there were Key spouses for the Marine Corps. Family readiness came about around ten years ago.

[villanelle]

I would consider a survey or something similar, so you can get an idea of what sorts of activities people are interested in, what days and time work best, etc. And I agree that it is key to have a mix of times and types of ideas, so you aren't always catering to the moms or the people who don't work during the day, or whatever.

Also, a small note regarding the raffle of the first kiss or similar--I sat in on a briefing from a JAG officer for Command Leadership Spouses and when someone mentioned that, he was appalled and said it is illegal in most, if not all, States. It's considered gambling. He was very clear on the distinction--a raffle where everyone who attends an event, gets a ticket (so at the Christmas party when someone raffles prizes, for example), is fine. But any time you can pay more to get or increase your chances is not okay. I knew the first kiss thing was pretty common, and all the spouses in the room were pretty surprises, but the poor JAG looked like he was going to shit himself when we told him how common it was. So the takeaway is basically no raffles as fundraisers, and the bigger takeaway is you need to be very careful about fundraising. When in doubt, the command leadership can always run it by a JAG if there is any question.

[Margot31]

For the Marine Corps? No, I've been around for 10 years too and it has always been a "family readiness" program in the Marines. We have a family readiness officer which is a paid position, you have to have a bachelors degree, etc. Then we have volunteer positions like family readiness assistant, family readiness advisor, and regular volunteers.

I have 2 very good friends in the Air Force, and we lived on a USAF base so that's how I knew about the Key Spouse thing. Plus you pick things up by reading and googling what people say here on the forum. I was taking training classes to be a family readiness assistant for my DHs squadron in the Marine Corps so that's how I know how our program works.

This article will explain the programs and their names for the different branches: FRGs: The Ups and the Downs | Military.com

Before Family Readiness came about, there were Key spouses for the Marine Corps. Family readiness came about around ten years ago.

Well learn something new all the time. Thanks. I heard the Key Spouse term since 10 years ago Dh was with a navy and marine commands (aviation training) and wasn't sure since we have been nothing but Navy since we left.

[Wild*Rose]

Thank you all for your posts!! Sorry for my shitty slow response. My computer broke and I just got it back then ya know hurricane lol.

I def want to do some adults only events! I'm debating maybe doing events with alcohol at my house or something since I don't believe the USO allows it. We're doing a departure banner I guess you could call it this weekend for DH's deployment with a pizza and football night. I really want to make this group awesome and helpful because there are SOOO many young spouses for DH's ship and I can see a lot of them freaking out on Facebook since the ship is helping in the hurricane right now.