Base And Installation Services Available For Servicemembers
Each large military base and installation has a center for assistance. This is called the Family Support Center, and is a vital part of providing support and aid for Service Members and their Familes. When a Service Member is called to Active duty, or at other such times, service people and their families often require help with a particular problem, or need specialized Services.
Its at such times that the Family Centers spring into action.
No matter what branch a service member is serving with, military families can receive services from any installation in the military. Services do vary from location to location, and they are based on several conditions. Geographical location, the Active Duty populace being served, and other factors.
For Service Members that are not located near a military installation, many of their services can be accessed over the internet, via email or by telephone.
When a reserve Unit is mobilized, the Command will normally active a Family Assistance Unit Center (FAC). One of the jobs of the FAC center is to give updated and current information about the Service Member to family members. They also give support to military families on State, Federal, Military and local civilian issues affecting Service Members. Forms, support and assistance is given to military families about these issues.
Stateside, Family Support Centers are also available. Called Fleet and Family Support, these centers are very accessable at larger bases and installations, and all services are free of charge. These services include:
Financial Counseling is available for all sorts of financial assistance. Budgeting, Debt Management, Investing, and Credit Management are subjects that are available for advice and support.
Exceptional Family Members Services include medical support services, special needs educational information support, and other need as presented to support military families with special needs members.
Information about services in the community and also on base are available.
Career Support Services Seminars, classes, testing and career and vocational testing services are available. Counseling on career choices both in and out of active duty service are also available.
Spouses and Service Members are eligible for Services.
Information, Referral and Relocation Services The Family Support Centers are valuable sources of information, but even more so they have a wide variety of services to refer Military Families to. They are a clearinghouse of information on where to go for specific issues, and how to deal with the situations that Military families experience.