Whats the deal with today's FRGs?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 14:03:12 -0400

Why is it that FRG is now Facebook based? What ever happened to phone calls and good group participation. I dont have facebook because i believe in human contact and we're now disconeted from everyone. How is your units FRG ?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 2:18 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 14:18:54 -0400

Most people nowadays find it faster and better to be connected via social media. I mean, why call someone when yo can FB post them?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2015 3:45 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 15:45:43 -0400

The Navy was still using Ombudsmen when I was in...I didn't have a family then, but it seemed an invaluable resource to the ship's company that did. No substitute for the "personal" touch...I'm inclined to agree with you on this one.

Response by PO2 Jonathan Scharff made Oct 16 at 2015 9:00 PM

PO2 Jonathan Scharff — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 21:00:04 -0400

I happen to know the young lady who is the FRG leader for my son's deployed unit and I have to say that she is doing an outstanding job. I don't even have a Facebook page, but we still get emails, texts and yes even phone calls with pertinent information. I know that she was at the hospital last week with the wife of a deployed soldier to make sure that he was kept up on all information on his wife's delivery of their child. So I would have to say it depends on the individuals involved. I'm sure it's like anything else, there are good ones and bad ones. However, when I compare the current support to our troops to what I received there is no comparison. We got nothing! My recommendation would be to get involved and lend a hand to make things better.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 17 at 2015 4:56 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 16:56:14 -0400

I can say as an Air Force Key Spouse, a lot of the time I would love to reach out in person. The problem is often that those who are in my unit have a job of their own, they're taking college courses, have kids in school, football, Boy Scouts, etc. Many times, it isn't MY choice to reach out on Facebook, but rather it is more convenient for THEM, and in the end I am in my position for their benefit. While I try to make phone calls and set up meetings in person with all of our spouses from time to time, often posting all the information in an event or on our spouse's page allows them to get the information whenever they have the time, and get back to me at their earliest convenience. Especially during a time when more people live off base, have multiple kids in activities and completing homework after school, and have their husbands off on deployments and TDYs, we don't have as much time to just go out and get some coffee.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 17 at 2015 7:58 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 19:58:43 -0400

After I retired I led the FRG for my old unit for 3 years and over a deployment. We went social media to keep up with the times to little avail. Bottom line was other then a handful of families no one could be bothered. Even when you called them or held meetings and events for the children, no one but the same handful of folks showed up. The sad part was no one could even give you an explanation of why they didn't want to be involved. I think TSgt Private RallyPoint Member offers some great insight into how modern lives are and that alone could be a reason - people are so busy with their lives. During a deployment when your significant other is now out of the equation, that puts even more stress on the situation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2015 4:00 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 16:00:34 -0500

Really! What is the deal with airline foo-- oh, I meant FRGs... Seriously though, every time I go to an FRG meeting, there are less than 30 people there, if you count the family members. We have a company of over 200+ people. I prefer a style of leadership that doesn't try to force you to care if you don't.

In my opinion, I don't think people realize WHY it's important or what FRG is really used for (i.e. what it's like to use FRG resources during a deployment). I had a great NCO explain to me exactly what the FRG was for, with topical examples of the help that her FRG provided for her wife while she was down range. I think it's awesome. I don't think anyone should be required to attend, but I think everyone should want to come. But while others do as they will, I bring a pasta dish and get information of what my unit does in the next six months. It is what it is.