Support Groups for Army Girlfriends
In the past, Army support for significant others, whether married or not, was often sorely lacking. Girlfriends and wives alike were left on their own during deployments, dealing with feelings of loneliness and abandonment. Army wives have always relied on each other for informal support, but girlfriends were more often than not left out. In the past couple of decades, however, the Army, faced with a rising tide of soldier depression and suicide, as well as domestic dissatisfaction and violence, has begun to recognize the absolute importance of more structured support for all loved ones left at home, as well as for the soldiers themselves.
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Family Readiness Group Support
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When Army units are deployed, a skeleton staff is left in the States to conduct essential business on a day-to-day basis. One of the duties of that staff is to form a Family Readiness Group, or FRG, in conjunction with girlfriends and wives who are waiting for a soldier's return. These volunteers are encouraged to help perform outreach and other duties. They interface with the military staff and provide each other with support. A monthly newsletter is sent to everyone, and they mail messages, packages and nice-to-have items to their loved ones and other soldiers overseas. A simple call to the unit will ensure that someone will call back, with an open invitation to participate in the support group, and for inclusion on the mailing list.
Online Support Groups
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By typing in "support groups for Army girlfriends," any search engine will bring up a myriad of sites to check for information. Of course, you'll need to use discretion when giving out personal information, but there is a wide range of online support available for the waiting girlfriends of deployed soldiers. For example, both Facebook and My Space offer real-time interface with other Army girlfriends. Another option is Military Significant Other and Spouse Support, or MilitarySOS.com. You'll need to join in order to access these, and other sites, but most are free, and they are full of information and potential friends.
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Army Community Services
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Army Community Services, or ACS, was established as part of the Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command in 1969 to provide support for Army wives who were waiting for the return of their husbands from Vietnam. Since then, the organization has provided support in many directions, and has expanded to include information and support to soldiers' girlfriends, as well. Again, you'll need to contact the ACS at your local Army post to make yourself known. You can call information, or go online to type in the name of the nearest post, i.e. Fort Gordon, Fort Hood or Fort Drum. When the menu pops up, just click on Army Community Service. Among other things, ACS is always looking for volunteers to assist in their ongoing outreach programs. Volunteers get to interface with other waiting significant others while performing much needed service to the greater Army community.
Chaplains
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Army Chaplains are always available to provide support to all members of the military and their loved ones. That includes girlfriends, who are welcome to worship at the nearest Army chapel with the congregation of their religious choice, or receive counseling and comfort from the clergy and other waiting girlfriends. In addition, they are welcome and encouraged to participate in chapel-related activities and support groups.
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References
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