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Sunday morning thoughts:
We emphasize the importance counseling (DA FORM 4856) program/packets within our ranks by hosting OPD/LPDs for all levels of leaders
but
Why aren’t we giving that same emphasis to the Family Care Plan (FCP) counseling/packets?
1/
We emphasize the importance counseling (DA FORM 4856) program/packets within our ranks by hosting OPD/LPDs for all levels of leaders
but
Why aren’t we giving that same emphasis to the Family Care Plan (FCP) counseling/packets?
1/
The population of Soldiers that we are discussing:
Dual military with children
Single parents
Children being the common denominator between them. The FCP requiring all of them to establish documents that would essentially sign the rights of their children to someone else.
2/
Dual military with children
Single parents
Children being the common denominator between them. The FCP requiring all of them to establish documents that would essentially sign the rights of their children to someone else.
2/
I was a single mom, for 5 out of my 10 years an officer. I am now dual military.
I’ve filled out 4 FCP packets.
Do you want to know how many actual FCP counselings I’ve experienced with my leadership? 0
Instead I’ve just been told “you need to give me your FCP”
3/
I’ve filled out 4 FCP packets.
Do you want to know how many actual FCP counselings I’ve experienced with my leadership? 0
Instead I’ve just been told “you need to give me your FCP”
3/
The FCP is more than just a packet of papers, it’s a solemn reminder for parents that they could possibly leave their children behind.
I certainly have felt the weight of what I’m signing and potentially asking of my family and kids.
So why aren’t commanders engaged?
4/
I certainly have felt the weight of what I’m signing and potentially asking of my family and kids.
So why aren’t commanders engaged?
4/
Every single CO I had was either a single man or married to a civilian spouse. So in fairness, they just didn’t have experience with the FCP.
BUT It’s not an excuse for the lack of engagement.
The FCP counseling can be such a positive moment for dual and single soldiers
5/
BUT It’s not an excuse for the lack of engagement.
The FCP counseling can be such a positive moment for dual and single soldiers
5/
It’s an easy win for COs, who take the time to get to know the FCP, to truly show they care.
COs can be prepared with resources, questions about family needs, and a statement of support from the CoC.
Single parents specifically live with a helluva lot of guilt and anxiety
6/
COs can be prepared with resources, questions about family needs, and a statement of support from the CoC.
Single parents specifically live with a helluva lot of guilt and anxiety
6/
So if you are a leader, maybe in your next 4856 LPD you throw in the FCP. You can review the sensitivity of the packet and how it’s our responsibility to engage, know the requirements, know the support services, and state our support.
OR we start making FCP LPDs
OR we start making FCP LPDs
