A Leader's Guide to Trauma in the Unit - US Army War College

Army War College Spouses’ Project
2. There should be a Plan-of-Action in the case of the death of an active duty member.
However, in the case of the death of a spouse or child, there is no preparation — the
unthinkable has occurred. The better you know your unit, the family members, the
unit dynamics and the resources available to your installation, the better prepared you
will be to deal with any tragedy that may befall anyone in that unit. This process
begins from the moment you become a senior leader in the unit, not once a tragedy
has occurred.
3. Be sure to utilize subject matter experts in the unit chain of command (JAG,
Personnel unit, housing and AER) to make sure you are dealing with the most current
and accurate information.
4. Having a functioning, organized, involved FRG will make it easier to reach out and
assist a unit family that experiences the loss of a spouse or child. Below are things
that can be done to help the FRG render help most effectively:
• Rosters and phone trees should always be current. Ensure that personnel data
forms have correct information and include a physical address, not just a post
office box. Practice using phone trees so they are a familiar tool for unit members.
This also encourages members to have contact with one another in nonemergency
situations.
• Identify FRG members who are willing to assist with various needs that will
likely arise in a crisis situation: providing meals, childcare, transportation, house
sitting, pet sitting, etc.
5. In advance of any tragedy, consider holding an FRG meeting focused on proactive
topics such as Family SGLI, wills, living wills and the availability of services offered
by community resources such as ACS, Red Cross, etc. Encourage active-duty
members and their spouses to keep their records (financial documents; insurance
policies; marriage, divorce, and birth certificates; etc.) organized and available.
6. In advance of any tragedy, offer training for interested unit and FRG members on
helping in times of trauma and crisis. The unit Chaplain and/or trained social workers,
counselors and Army Family Team Building can offer this training. Be familiar with
support groups offered through the local community. Most medical facilities and
churches offer such services.
7. Develop a working relationship with the chaplains and counselors on your
installation. Familiarize yourself with what services they can provide to families in
need.
8. Educate yourself about pertinent Army regulations. These can be tedious to weed
through, but understanding what the Army does and does not provide to families
under these circumstances can allow you to direct the grieving family to appropriate
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A Leader’s Guide to Trauma in the Unit April 2004