Army Family Team Building

WELCOME TO AFTB!

Now that your Soldier is in the Army at Fort Huachuca , he or she will continue to learn about the Army and its tradition. What about YOU, the Family member? Who will educate and provide information to you about the Army? AFTB is a program developed by Family members for Family members to help answer questions and provide skills. AFTB is a program that has been developed just for you. If you are a Family member, Soldier, or Civilian; AFTB has something for you. We will be able to explain different components of the army and why certain traditions are important. We offer team and personal development along side important leadership and communication skills. We truly have something for everyone.

Our AFTB MISSION :
The Fort Huachuca’s Army Family Team Building staff is dedicated to providing education, guidance, Family readiness, empowerment, and volunteer opportunities to the total Army Family and surrounding Fort Huachuca community.
Back to top  

Mobilization and Deployment Readiness

Separation is never easy and unfortunately as we all know, Army life means separation. Although you may not be together, there are many things that you can do to strengthen your relationship. Whether this is your first or one of many separations, remember, ACS is here to assist you. We understand that the stresses that you as a spouse, a child, a parent or loved one can go through. We also understand the having some sort of support system is essential, whether it’s a family readiness group, a church group or a friend. Talking to someone and staying busy can make the time easier.

Our Family Readiness Program (FRP) will assist units and their families in preparing for deployment. Unit Rear Detachments and Unit Family Readiness Groups will be contacted regarding any FRP events. Family Assistance Information forms are available to you during the Soldier Readiness Program (SRP) we encourage you to complete it, this will benefit you and your family. Information such as, family members, spouse, next of kin, special needs, medical problems, I.D. card and pay options are collected. Family Assistance Information forms are mailed to the military installation closest to your family to ensure they are welcomed if they need assistance while you are deployed. Should you have any questions, please contact the Mobilization and Deployment Readiness manager at (520) 533-5919.

Visit Military One Source.

•  Referrals to military and community resources
• A multicultural staff with the ability to simultaneously translate into more than 140 languages
• Educational materials  (booklets and audio recordings) at no cost to you
• Interactive website that includes plan a call, email a consultant, live events, monitored bulletin boards and topical newsletters

 No question is too small, no issue is too big. Whether you're preparing for a new baby, dealing with relationship issues, preparing for deployment and reunion, getting out of debt or buying your first car, Military One Source can help. It offers a customized response, whatever your needs are. The service is at no cost to you and is confidential. And because you never know when you'll need us, we're here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. Phones answered live by qualified staff. To access our website, you must enter this user ID: army and password: onesource.

Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

If you are currently serving on active duty in the United Sates Army you may be entitled to relief under the Service members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) of 2003.

• Reduced interest rate on mortgage payments
• Reduced interest rate on credit card debt
• Protection from eviction if your rent is $1200 or less
• Delay of all civil court actions, such as bankruptcy, foreclosure or divorce proceedings

For more information on the SCRA, contact our Financial Readiness Program at (520)533-2437/2330.

Helpful Links

Family Member Resources  

Back to top

Family Support
ACS - "Partners in Readiness"

 ACS Outreach
The ACS Outreach Program located in Bldg 50010 is designed to assist soldiers and spouses providing numerous direct services. This is especially true for the spouse who is not familiar with the military system. All ranks qualify for assistance, those residing both on and off the installation. As one of the primary outreach services, promotes all ACS programs/services and focuses on, but is not limited to, several areas of direct services: Life Skills Training, Education, Support Groups, and Adaptation to the challenges of military lifestyle and Family Preparedness. Some of the other services include: Waiting Families Program, Military Family Week, Military Spouses Day and Information Fairs. We are available to brief units and FRGs about ACS and about Military One Source.

If you cannot come to us - we will come to you. For more information or to schedule a briefing contact the ACS Information and Referral Program Coordinator at 520-533-2330.

Arizona WIC
If you are pregnant, have just had a baby or are breastfeeding, or have a child under the age of five (5), the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infant & Children (WIC) could help you. WIC is short-term intervention program designed to influence lifetime nutrition and health behavior in a targeted high-risk population. WIC is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. WIC provides nutrition education & services and breastfeeding promotion & education. A monthly food prescription of nutritious foods. For more information call 520-533-1907.
Back to top

Family Advocacy

Commercial: (520) 533-6873
DSN: 821-6873

The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provides educationally based programs and training to active duty soldiers, retirees, and their family members. FAP provides the opportunity through the programs and training to share information, enhance and develop stress management and coping skills and link to support services. Everyone can benefit from prevention and education. It is important that soldiers and their families realize that when stressed, they are more vulnerable to life’s challenges. A little extra support is sometimes needed. FAP can also provide assistance with linking to the other programs and services within Family Advocacy and other services on Fort Huachuca .

Programs Offered to Units
Annual Family Advocacy Program Briefing
This one-hour briefing is scheduled with command and is given at the Battalion, Unit or Company level. AR 608-18 requires all active duty soldiers receive this briefing once a year. Soldiers are informed of services available through FAP, dynamics of child and spouse abuse, reporting procedures for abuse, and policies and procedures that the Army has implemented regarding FAP. To schedule call 533-6873/2330.

New Parent Support Program Plus
The New Parent Support Program provides educational and supportive services and in-home visitation for military families expecting a child, or with children from birth to 3 years of age. Home visitors focus on parenting and family issues, provide support and referrals. For more information on the New Parent Support Program home visits, groups or classes call 533-7695/2330.

Victim Advocate Program
The Victim Advocate Program offers information and support to victims of domestic violence. Assistance includes but is not limited to: resources in the community, transitional compensation and safety plans. Call 533-2993/3986 for more information. Victim Advocate Awareness Month is each year during the month of October.
Back to top

Exceptional Family Member Program (EMFP)

Call us at 520-533-6871

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other Military and Civilian Agencies to provide a comprehensive, coordinated, and multi-disciplinary approach for medical, education, housing, community, support, and personnel services to families with special needs. EFMP ensures that medical and special education needs are considered in the assignment process. Upon in-processing, soldiers are queried about an exceptional family member. If a soldier have or suspect they have an exceptional family member, they are referred to the installation EFMP office for assistance. The Exceptional Family Member Program works with other military and civilian agencies to provide coordination with:

• Information &Referral (medical services, medically related services, social services, educational, and support groups) on/off post
• Relocation Assistance (World Wide, National, state and local agencies)
• Special Needs Resource Team (coordination and placement of children, youth and teens with special needs seeking Child and Youth Services programs)
• Provide liaison for special needs for special education rights and responsibilities on/off installation
• Provide specialized training relation to special needs for Child and Youth Service personnel, military units and family readiness groups
• Special Events (i.e., summer camp, holiday parties and cultural events)
Back to top

Employment ACS - “PARTNERS in Readiness"

Our Purpose
The Family Employment Readiness Program (FERP) provides a full range of information and referral services and assistance in the areas of employment, training and volunteer opportunities.  The services are designed to give all active duty, retired military personnel, DoD employees, their family members (adults and teenagers) and eligible personnel and Family members  (IAW AR 608-1) the competitive edge necessary to secure employment.  The program provides assistance to eligible customers in acquiring skills, networks, and resources that will allow them to participate in the work force and to develop a career/work plan.  Additionally our purpose is to minimize the employment problems associated with relocation.   The following services are available:
• Individual Employment Counseling
• Job Search Skills Training
• Job Application Assistance
• Local Job Leads/NAF Job Leads Books
• Specialty Workshops
Call us for more information at 520-533-6870/2330
Back to top

Army Family Action Planning (AFAP)

Army Family Action Plan is an Army-wide program that allows all members of the Army (active duty, retired military, family members and civilian employees) the opportunity to voice concerns and voice issues to installation and Army leadership. Here is your opportunity to make a difference in the Army quality of life for the Total Army Family. AFAP facilitates many positive changes that enhance the Army Experience. Issues are generated and collected from the Fort Huachuca community and are addressed at the annual installation conference. Issues that are not resolved at Installation level are forwarded to MACOM and then Department of Army for resolution. The program allows your voice to be heard.
Back to top

Relocation Readiness

The Relocation Readiness Program provides assistance to military personnel, family members and DOD civilians moving to the Fort Huachuca community or personnel relocating to other military installations. The Relocation Assistance Program offers the following services:

Arriving Personnel

Lending Closet
The Lending Closet lends basic household items such as dishes, pots & pans, irons, ironing boards, toasters, coffee pots, table & chairs, car seats, and highchairs to those individuals transitioning to and from Fort Huachuca. Items cannot be issued to those individuals who have already cleared ACS. All items must be returned clean. Loans are for 30 days. However, extensions may be given. A valid ID card is required to check items out of the Lending Closet.

Welcome Packets
The Relocation Office does not send out welcome packets to incoming personnel. Fort Huachuca information can be accessed at the "Military One Source" website: www.militaryonesource.com.

ACS Welcome Center
Visit our Welcome Center located in building 50010. The Center has a host of information to include directories for on/off post, recreation information, housing, schools, childcare, employment and many more. Hours of operation: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-7 p.m.

Youth Sponsorship
Moving to Fort Huachuca ? The Youth Sponsorship program can help ease the transition. Contact the Child & Youth Services at 520-533-0710.

Request a Sponsor
Army Community Service (ACS) does not assign sponsors. Soldier desiring sponsors can contact their unit at Fort Huachuca direct. Please contact Ft. Huachuca Directory Assistance at 520-538-7111 to get phone numbers for all brigades or units. You can also access this information online at www.militaryonesource.com click on relocation.

English Language Acquisition (ELA)
English classes are offered through Cochise College Adult Education. The class provides basic conversational English and basic grammar and comprehension. Contact 520-515-5456

Applications for Citizenship can be obtained online at http://uscis.gov for the application forms or contact a dedicated toll free Military help line 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1877-247-4645) or  WWW.uscis.gov/military.

Departing Personnel 

"Plan My Move" is an automated information system designed to provide relocation information on all military installations within CONUS or OCONUS. Specific information contained in "Plan My Move" includes education, employment, medical & dental, housing, support services, relocation services and survival tips for first-termers.

"Plan My Move" can be accessed online at militaryonesource.com click on "Relocation".

Relocation Resource Center
The Relocation Resource Center provides information to assist Soldiers and Families in the relocation process. Military Home-front booklets, USAREUR driver’s manuals, and resources pertaining to relocation for children and teenagers are available.
Back to top

Financial Readiness Program

Our Mission

We provide personal financial readiness and consumer affairs prevention and education programs for Service Members, Family Members, Reserve Components, and DA civilians.

·         We assist unit commanders and leaders in training Service and Family Members in personal financial readiness to include: the military pay system, checkbook management, and Soldier’s financial responsibilities to themselves, their family members, and their creditors.

Confidential Budget Counseling:

·         Counseling focuses on improving the client’s personal financial skills, such as budget development and financial planning. It also provides informational services on developing a spending plan, managing personal finances, evaluating assets and liabilities, and improving a client’s ability to become as an informed consumer.

·         Financial Readiness Program provides financial management, training through scheduled classes, one-on-one financial counseling, workshops, and seminars to help Service and Family Members improve their financial stability.

·         Investment and savings counseling to inform clients of various investment options and plans. 

·         Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) is an additional entitlement based on household size and income. If qualified, you can receive up to $500.00 (non-taxable) per month. Service or Family Members must be certified at Financial Readiness (you must provide social security numbers for all members of your household). Certifications are done by appointment.

Call for an appointment 520-533-2437 /2330.

Debt Liquidation Program

·         For those having difficulty meeting current financial obligations. Establish a workable plan to repay creditors. Avoid the long term affects of bankruptcy. Develop a budget to avoid future problems.

·         Accelerate paying off debt, avoid bankruptcy, and reestablish credit by enrolling in the Debt Liquidation program. Counselors can reduce monthly debt and negotiate payment plans with creditors.

·         Consumer Affairs provides consumer complaint resolution, mediation, and referral assistance for both local and national complaints.

·         If you feel your consumer rights have been violated, you can file a DA Form 5184-R, Consumer Complaint and submit it to Consumer Affairs. When filing a complaint, please attach copies of all relevant documents (e.g. warranties, bills of sale, correspondence with businesses, etc.)

·         A wide variety of personal finance and consumer education classes are available for presentation to unit and Family Readiness Group.  

Back to top

Army Emergency Relief (AER)

Army Emergency Relief (AER) is a private, non-profit organization established to assist Service and Family Members in emergency financial situations due to no fault of their own. Financial assistance is given in the form of an interest-free loan, grant, or combination of the two. Loans are repaid by an allotment.

To apply for AER assistance, the soldier should be seen by the Unit Commander/1SG for interview/counseling to determine if the situation can be resolved through the chain-of-command or some other source. After determining that the soldier has a valid emergency, the unit commander would then authorize the individual to seek AER assistance.

Typical situations where AER can assist:
• Non-receipt of pay or loss of funds - amount limited to that required to prevent privation.
• Travel expenses due to emergency situations. (Red Cross message with emergency leave).
• Funeral expenses when it is established that the soldier is required to pay, or share in payment of funeral expenses for dependents or parents, where there is no insurance.
• Payment of medical, dental and hospital expenses when they cannot be deferred through usual repayment period after TriCare.
• Payment of initial rent or to prevent eviction.
• Purchase of food to prevent privation
• Payment of required utility deposits or payment of bills to prevent termination of utilities.
• To cover cost of operation or repair of POV, when the vehicle is considered essential.

RedCross
For more information call 1-877-272-7337

Financial Readiness
POC: Financial Counselor
Commercial: (520) 533-2437-2330
DSN: 821-2437-2330
The Consumer Affairs and Financial Assistance Program (CAFAP) provides personal financial readiness and consumer affairs prevention and education programs for Service and  family members, reserve components, DA civilians and their Family Members.

Budget Counseling
POC: Financial Counselor
Commercial: (520) 533-2437/2330
DSN: 821-2437/2330

Budget & Checkbook Management
POC: Financial Counselor
Commercial: (520) 533-2330
DSN: 821-2330

Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA)
POC: Financial Counselor
Commercial: (520) 533-2437/2330
DSN: 821-2437/2330
Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) is a program to increase the service members’ Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and remove them from the Food Stamp program. To learn more about this program and whether or not your qualify click here: FSSA Website.

AER MG James Ursano Scholarship Fund
POC: Financial Counselor
Stateside Spouse’s Program: (703) 325-2091
Children’s Program: (703) 428-0035

The MG James Ursano Scholarship Fund helps Army families with the costs of undergraduate level education, post secondary vocational training, and preparation for acceptance by service academies for their dependent children. Check the web at www.aerhq.org (under scholarship programs)

Arizona WIC
If you are pregnant, have just had a baby or are breastfeeding, or have a child under the age of five (5), the Special Nutrition Program for Women, Infant & Children (WIC) could help you. WIC is short-term intervention program designed to influence lifetime nutrition and health behavior in a targeted high-risk population. WIC is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. WIC provides nutrition education & services and breastfeeding promotion & education. A monthly food prescription of nutritious foods. For more information call the Fort Huachuca WIC office at 533-1907.

 Back to top

Army Volunteer Corps
  ACS - “PARTNERS in Readiness"

The Army Volunteer Corps Coordinators (AVCC) office is the centralized location for all information regarding the non-paid professional. Hours are tracked to ensure work credit experience for future paid positions. For more information call (520) 533-2330.

The Fort Huachuca Community has many active volunteers in a myriad of volunteer areas:

American Red Cross
Army Community Service
Army Family Team Building
Fort Huachuca Museum
Fort Huachuca’s Thrift Shop
Fort Huachuca School System
Child, Youth and School Services
Family Readiness Groups
Army Family Action Plan
And many more!!

The office maintains a job bank of available positions and job descriptions. Stop by or call for more opportunities. Soldiers providing volunteer service have the opportunity to gain promotion points through the Soldier Incentive Program.

Volunteer Awards

Volunteers are recognized for their valuable service throughout the year with ceremonies, certificates, luncheons, receptions, and special achievement awards. The AVCC office is the proponent for all volunteer awards within the division.

 Fort Huachuca's 2007 Volunteers of the Year

Military: MSG Pablo Sanchez

Civilian: Patricia Reed

Youth: Patrick Sandstrom

Fort Huachuca’s Volunteers logged a total of 41,399 hours for a grand total of $747,252.85 with out their support and efforts many of the great things on our installation could have never be achieved.  

Back to top

Family Support
ACS - "Partners in Readiness"

• Family Advocacy
  Commercial: (520) 533-6878/2330
  DSN: 821-6878
  
  The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provides educationally based programs and training to active duty Service Members, retirees, and their Family Members. FAP provides the opportunity through the programs and training to share information, enhance and develop stress management and coping skills and link to support services. Everyone can benefit from prevention and education. It is important that soldiers and their families realize that when stressed, they are more vulnerable to life’s challenges. A little extra support is sometimes needed. FAP can also provide assistance with linking to the other programs and services within Family Advocacy and other services on Fort Huachuca.

• Programs Offered to Units
  Annual Family Advocacy Program Briefing
  This one-hour briefing is scheduled with command and is given at the Battalion, Unit or Company level. AR 608-18 requires all active duty soldiers receive this briefing once a year. Soldiers are informed of service available through FAP, dynamics of child and spouse abuse, reporting procedures for abuse, and policies and procedures that the Army has implemented regard FAP. To schedule call (520) 533-2330.

• New Parent Support Program Plus
  The New Parent Support Program is a home visitation program for military families expecting a child or with children from birth to 3 years of age. Home visitors focus on parenting and family issues, provide support and referrals. For more information on the New Parent Support Program home visits call (520) 7695/2330.

• Victim Advocate Program
  The Victim Advocate Program offers information and support to victims of domestic violence. Assistance includes but is not limited to: resources in the community, transitional compensation and safety plans. Call (520) 533-2993/3986 for more information. Victim Advocate Awareness Month is each year during the month of October.

Back to top

Exceptional Family Member Program

• Information &Referral (medical services, medically related services, social services, educational, and support groups) on/off post
• Relocation Assistance (World Wide, National, state and local agencies)
• Special Needs Resource Team (coordination and placement of children, youth and teens with special needs seeking Child and Youth Services programs)
• Provide liaison for special needs for special education rights and responsibilities on/off installation
• Provide specialized training relation to special needs for Child and Youth Service personnel, military units and family readiness groups
• Special Events (i.e., summer camp, holiday parties and cultural events)

Call (520) 533-6871

Army Family Action Plan 

Back to top 

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program

* Prevent sexual assault
* Promote the sensitive handling of victims of sexual assault
* Offer confidential counseling
* Hold those who commit sexual assault offenses accountable Reinforce a commitment to Army Values The Army will treat all victims of sexual assault with dignity, fairness, and respect The Army will treat every sexual assault incident seriously, thoroughly investigate the incident, and hold those who commit offenses accountable.

Local Resources

SARC
24/7 Hotline
520-533-3000

Family Advocacy Victim Advocate Program
Emotional support, information, and referrals
520-533-2993
Cell 520-508-2772
520-533-3986
Cell 520-67-0321

Military OneSource
Referrals for local confidential counseling
www.militaryonesource.com
1-800-342-9647

Tri Care West Crisis Live
Confidential counseling, advocacy, referrals
1-866-284-3743

Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center
Behavioral Health
Individual counseling, stress management and anger management
520-533-5161

Definitions

Sexual Assault is a crime. Sexual Assault is defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent.

Rape - Sexual intercourse by force and without consent

Forcible Sodomy - Oral or anal sex by force and without consent

Indecent Assault - Any non-consensual touching with the intent to gratify ones sexual desires.

Sexual assault can occur without regard to gender or spousal relationship or age of victim.

Reporting Options