Army Community Service (ACS) is dedicated to fostering the readiness and resilience of the entire Army community. From the moment Soldiers begin their service until retirement and beyond, ACS provides a vital network of programs and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of Soldiers, their Families, veterans, wounded warriors, survivors, and retirees. Understanding the challenges and unique lifestyle of military personnel, ACS offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to enhance well-being and community strength across all Army installations.
Key Pillars of Army Community Service
ACS programs are built upon a foundation of support that addresses various aspects of Army life. These pillars encompass essential services such as:
- Family Readiness and Support: Recognizing that strong families are crucial to Soldier readiness, ACS offers programs like Army Family Team Building (AFTB) to educate and empower family members. The Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) provides a platform for the community to voice concerns and improve the quality of life for Soldiers and their families.
Alt text: Army Community Service Army Family Action Plan session, soldiers and family members collaborate to enhance community standards.
- Financial Stability and Education: Financial well-being is a cornerstone of personal readiness. ACS Financial Readiness programs offer counseling and educational resources covering debt management, budgeting, credit building, and financial planning, empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures.
Alt text: Army Community Service financial readiness program, advisor meeting with soldier to discuss personal finances.
- Employment and Career Development: Transitioning to civilian life or advancing in a military career requires preparation and resources. The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) provides career coaching, job search assistance, skills development workshops, and networking opportunities for Soldiers, veterans, civilians, and family members.
Alt text: Army Community Service Employment Readiness Program workshop providing career coaching and job search skills.
- Relocation and Transition Assistance: Frequent moves are a reality of military life. Relocation Readiness programs offer counseling, pre-arrival information, sponsorship, and temporary loan equipment to ease the stress of relocation for Soldiers and their families, ensuring smooth transitions between duty stations.
Alt text: Army Community Service Relocation Readiness support, military family receives assistance with moving logistics.
- Volunteerism and Community Engagement: Volunteers are the heart of the Army community. The Army Volunteer Corps (AVC) connects individuals with volunteer opportunities, enhancing career mobility, fostering community spirit, and supporting Soldier and Family readiness through active participation.
Alt text: Army Community Service Army Volunteer Corps, volunteers unite to strengthen military community programs.
- Support for Families with Special Needs: The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) coordinates crucial support for families with members who have special medical or educational needs. EFMP ensures access to necessary community, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services, advocating for exceptional family members within the Army community.
Alt text: Army Community Service Exceptional Family Member Program, family receives support for member with special needs.
- Family Advocacy and Prevention: ACS Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is dedicated to strengthening families through prevention and intervention services. FAP supports victims of domestic violence, offers parenting support, and provides resources to enhance family well-being and resilience.
Alt text: Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program, resources for new parents and domestic violence prevention.
- Information and Referral Services: Navigating available resources can be challenging. ACS Information and Referral services act as a central hub, providing reliable information about on- and off-installation resources, ensuring the Army community is well-informed and connected.
Alt text: Army Community Service Information and Referral services, trusted source for community resources and support.
- Mobilization and Deployment Support: Deployments present unique challenges for Soldiers and families. ACS provides vital training and resources to help commanders, Soldiers, and Families navigate the complexities of mobilization and deployment, offering support for rear detachment cadre and Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs).
Alt text: Army Community Service Mobilization and Deployment support, training and resources for military families.
- Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP): The SHARP program reflects the Army’s commitment to eliminating sexual harassment and assault. ACS supports SHARP by providing resources and promoting a culture of respect and prevention within the Army community.
Alt text: Army Community Service SHARP training, proactive effort to prevent sexual harassment and assault.
- Soldier and Family Assistance Center (SFAC): For Soldiers in Warrior Transition Units and their families, SFAC provides dedicated support during the transition process. SFAC assists with Comprehensive Transition Plans and VOW Act goals, supporting Soldiers on their path to return to duty or successful separation.
Alt text: Army Community Service Soldier and Family Assistance Center, dedicated support for warrior transition and recovery.
- Suicide Prevention Resources: Recognizing the importance of mental health, ACS offers confidential suicide prevention resources and support, ensuring that Soldiers, family members, and veterans have access to help when needed.
Alt text: Army Community Service Suicide Prevention, free confidential support for mental health and crisis intervention.
- Survivor Outreach Services (SOS): ACS Survivor Outreach Services provides long-term support and resources to families who have lost loved ones in active duty, honoring their sacrifice and ensuring ongoing care for as long as needed.
Alt text: Army Community Service Survivor Outreach Services, long-term support for families who lost loved ones in service.
- Army Family Team Building (AFTB): AFTB provides comprehensive training on Army culture, resources, and skills necessary for personal growth and self-reliance within the military community. Whether new to the Army or seeking to enhance existing knowledge, AFTB empowers individuals to thrive in the Army environment.
Alt text: Army Community Service Army Family Team Building, step-by-step training in Army culture and community resources.
Connecting with Army Community Service
To discover the full range of programs and services available, individuals are encouraged to visit their local Army installation’s ACS center. By providing accessible and comprehensive support, Army Community Service remains a cornerstone of the Army’s commitment to its people, ensuring a strong, resilient, and ready Army community. For online resources and to learn more about customer rights and responsibilities, visit the official Army MWR website.
