Three Must Have AFTB Classes

As some of you will notice there have been some changes here are MilitaryAnswers.  On the advice of a friend, Brett McKay, of Art of Manliness fame, I have made some format changes.  Let me know if you like the canges (i.e. title, entry format, etc).  I appreciate all your comments!  On to the Three Must Have AFTB Classes:

In our last post we discussed AFTB (Army Family Team Building) and its value as one of the many free educational services offered to Servicemembers and their Families.  Keep in mind that just becuse it is ARMY Family Team Building that it is also open to othr service branches.

Lesson 1.1 – Expectations and Impact of the Mission on Family Life

What can I say, it is the most important lesson and its the first one in the whole program.  As a soldier your mission is drilled into you, but as a Spouse those lessons can be harded earned.  They are earned from GI Parties, late nights in the Motor Pool and many missed holidays!  I am not saying that with understanding there will be acceptance, but at least you will be well on your way.

Everyone knows that lists are subjective and perhaps you may be tempted to toss this one aside because of that.  I think everyone of the AFTB classes can improve your life, yet if you don’t have the time take these classes online or arrange a concept block with your local AFTB Program Manager.

Lesson 1.5 – Basic Military Benefits and Entitlements

Whether you are new to the life or an old hat it is important to be informed of what you are entitled to and what exactly is a benefit for you.  Remember that these things change frequently so it is a great refresher course.  Also check out MyArmyBenefits to get a good glimpse into what the military is giving you.  This class will cover questions like Tricare and its applicability to pre-existing conditions and many other nagging questions.

Lesson 1.6 – Introduction to Military and Civilian Community Resources

Once you have become educated on what you have a right to request; you will need to know where to go to request those services.  This is a great class for the new to the Army or even just new to a Post.  It will outline what is available to you Army wide as well as post and community wide to serve you as a Family member or Servicemember.  Hopefully it will introduce you to the Community Action Council meeting and its dates and times.  Look for more information soon!

I welcome all your comments, diggs, stumbles and tweets!

The Proverbial Horse, Water and the Salt of Life

Dear Reader,

I pondered what the next entry should be and I came upon the best solution in my opinion.  It should start at a good beginning.  I know, right?  A remarkable bit of flow management, but perhaps I should say that I should start at the best beginning.  In my opinion that is education and for the military spouse that can lay in any number of directions.  For the Army Spouse in particular, I find that AFTB is a great start.  For the next few sessions we will be talking about education and in particular the AFTB program.  I would love to hear your feedback about the program.

For those of you unfamiliar with the program, AFTB (Army Family Team Building) was a program developed after the Gulf War by the Department of the Army when it was apprached by military spouses who expressed concerns about their own preparedness during that war.  It has evolved into a three tier program.  It begins with Level I, “Learn Army”.  It then moves to Level II “Grow” and then to Level III “Lead”.  Each level builds on the other and helps grow and develop the participant, not only in the Army Life but also as a professional and a person.  Look for the next few entries to highlight the levels as well as some other valuable education programs offered to military spouses for the best cost, FREE!

Of course that leads you to wonder about my title.  Well, along with the resiliency that I see in so many spouses there is, at times, a small (alright huge!) stubborn streak in them.  It reminds me of that adage about the horse and leading it to water.

“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink”

Well, that is true, but life, especially military life can be very salty.  I can lead you there, but military life can make you want to take a drink.  So remember, if you lead the horse to water and it still won’t drink; feed it salt.

With Regards,

Jeremy Brown