GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — Being part of the military community can be truly exciting and rewarding. But it can also be tough — really, tough.
Maintaining personal and familial resiliency through the extraordinary challenges faced by military families and service members requires all parties to be committed and proactive. Pressure from consecutive deployments, isolation, financial hardships and emotional instability, for instance, can all have negative effects on relationships and deteriorate family units.
In some instances, if left untreated, these struggles may escalate to more serious problems, including divorce, domestic violence and even suicide.
The Army acknowledges the extraordinary strength required of families and Soldiers and considers preservation of the family among its top priorities.
USAG Bavaria’s Army Community Service, or ACS, is perhaps your most effective response to the increasing stress placed on families. It is an organization solely dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for the community, and it is one of the best resources for those seeking support through challenges — military or otherwise — and community integration.
ACS offers a variety of programs and services to promote healthy relationships and resilient families, including classes and workshops covering financial readiness, stress and anger management, parenting, marriage enrichment, and weekly coffee meet-ups.
The organization also has a New Parent Support Program (NSPS) aimed at helping families with children three years or younger adjust to the everyday demands of parenthood. Their schedule and offerings always change, so be sure to visit the ACS Calendar regularly.
For more, call DSN 476-2650, CIV 09662-83-2650 (Rose Barracks) or DSN 475-8371, CIV 09641-83-8371 (Tower Barracks).
Additionally, if you struggle with any of the major life changes or pressures associated with military life — or if you just want someone to talk to — licensed Military and Family Life Consultants, knowns as MFLC’s (pronounced em-flack) are available to meet on short-notice at a mutually decided-upon location. They provide short-term, confidential counseling and can be reached Monday-Friday between 8 am and 8 pm. It is important to note, however, that an MFLC is obligated by law to report situations involving domestic violence and suicide to the military police.
To reach a MFLC at Tower Barracks, call 0152-0449-5797, 0152-0293-4290 or 0152-0241-5226. MLFC at Rose Barracks, call 0152-0416-1349, 0174-4147-6846, or 0152-0294-0761. Remote counselors are available for 173rd at 0174-1476832 and 2CR at 0174-8864024.