Measuring the Impact of Military Family Programs on the Army
Abstract
This report researches the effectiveness of the Army's Military Family Programs and attempt to measure their impact on unit readiness, family wellness, and soldier retention. Over 50 percent of the Army's Active duty force is married and this factor alone has significantly impacted on the Army's programs that support families. For years, the Army's attitude toward the military family was, 'We take care of our own'. While it was a noble thing to say, it was nothing more than empty rhetoric that caused many soldiers and families to suffer needlessly. In recent years, the Army has come to recognize the importance of the Army family and to acknowledge its obligation. Toward that end, programs such as Family Advocacy, Family Child Care, Sponsorship, Exceptional Family Member Program and the Army Community Service now receive the attention of the Army through Leadership and financial support. The basic question is whether or not the Army is getting its money's worth from these programs. Are the benefits worth the cost? To determine the effectiveness of Military Family Programs, data was gathered using a literature search, the development and employment of a questionnaire, and personal interviews with Army Officers at the United States Army War College. The research for this project unequivocably indicated that Military Family Programs are on the whole very positive and so serve to enhance family wellness, unit readiness, and soldier retention.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 23, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA182778
Entities
People
- Cardell S. Hunter
Organizations
- United States Army War College