Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program Empowers Army Families

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness (CSF) Program aims to equip Army families with the skills and knowledge necessary to maximize their potential and resilience in the face of sustained operations. Introduced in October 2008, the program focuses on physical, emotional, social, family, and spiritual well-being. As part of this initiative, Master Resilience Trainers were selected and trained in 2010 to educate family members and Department of the Army civilians on resilience techniques.

Key Takeaways:

  • 150 individuals were selected to attend a nine-day training session to become Master Resilience Trainers in August 2010.
  • The Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program is taught Armywide to Soldiers, family members, and Department of the Army Civilians.
  • Each installation's Army Community Service program creates its own curriculum based on the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness model, with topics varying at each location.
  • The Family Resilience Academy at Fort Hood, Texas, offers a five-week program with sessions focused on avoiding thinking traps, energy management, and other topics.
  • The program has been life-changing for participants, including Elke Phillips, a Family Readiness Support assistant, and Stephanie Mello, a Mobilization and Deployment specialist.
  • Resilience training is essential for building family members' resilience, enabling them to help their Soldiers and communities.
  • Most ACS programs currently offer daytime courses, with a goal to register interested individuals in evening programs to reach a larger audience.

Statistics:

  • 150 individuals were selected to become Master Resilience Trainers in August 2010.
  • 54 Fort Riley spouses have been trained in the Resilient Spouse Academy as of December 2010.
  • The goal was to train 100 Fort Riley spouses by mid-January 2011.
  • The Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program is taught Armywide, with specific curriculum created by each installation.
  • The program has a strong focus on prevention and coping skills, empowering Army families to face challenges.

Sources:

  • U.S. Army-Americas
  • Karla Seijas, FWMRC
  • U.S. Army Fort Hood
  • Stephanie Mello, Mobilization and Deployment specialist
  • Army Community Service, Fort Hood
  • U.S. Army Fort Riley
  • Elke Phillips, Family Readiness Support assistant
  • U.S. Army website: www.army.mil/csf.