Study guide
6.4 Soldier and Family Support Programs: AER, Red Cross, ACS, EFMP, and BOSS
Army Promotion Board SGT/SSG
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1 The Promotion Board Process, Eligibility, and Preparation
1.1 AR 600-8-19 Board Eligibility, TIS/TIG Zones, and PME Requirements 1.2 Board Proceedings, Protocol, Uniform Inspection, and Boardroom Bearing 1.3 Promotion Points, the AFT Conversion, IPPS-A, and Monthly Cutoff Scores 1.4 Board Preparation: Study Plan, Current Events, and World Affairs 1.5 Situational Questions, ICTL Proficiency, and Board Scenario Technique
2 Uniform Standards, Grooming, and Awards (AR 670-1, AD 2025-18, AR 600-8-22)
2.1 ASU and AGSU Configuration, Insignia, Badges, and Awards Placement 2.2 Hair, Cosmetics, Fingernails, and Jewelry Standards (AD 2025-18) 2.3 Wear of Combat Uniforms, Duty Accessories, and Body Modification & Tattoo Policies 2.4 Facial Hair, Medical Exceptions to Policy, and Religious Accommodation 2.5 The Army Awards and Decorations System (AR 600-8-22)
3 Army Leadership & Doctrine (ADP 6-22 & FM 6-22)
3.1 The Army Leadership Requirements Model: Attributes and Competencies 3.2 Leadership Levels, Dynamics, Command Climate, and the Warrior Ethos 3.3 The Counseling Process (ATP 6-22.1 & DA Form 4856) 3.4 The Evaluation Reporting System & NCOER (AR 623-3 & DA Form 2166-9 Series)
4 Customs, Courtesies, and Military Traditions (AR 600-25 & TC 3-21.5)
4.1 Saluting Protocols, Courtesies to Officers, and Hand Salute Standards 4.2 National Flag Etiquette, Colors, Reveille, Retreat, and Honors to the Nation 4.3 Drill and Ceremonies Fundamentals (TC 3-21.5) and Formations 4.4 Rank Structure, Chain of Command, the NCO Support Channel, and Unit Organization
5 Army History, Heritage, and Creeds
5.1 Army Birthday, Continental Army Foundations, and Historical Milestones 5.2 Evolution of the NCO Corps and the Sergeant Major of the Army 5.3 Major American Campaigns and Military Battle History 5.4 The Army Values, The Soldier's Creed, and The NCO Creed
6 Army Programs, Command Policy, and Soldier Readiness
6.1 SHARP Under AR 600-52: Reporting Options, Complaint Processing, and the OSTC 6.2 The Military Equal Opportunity and Harassment Prevention Program (AR 600-20, Chapter 6) 6.3 Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) and SUDCC (AR 600-85) 6.4 Soldier and Family Support Programs: AER, Red Cross, ACS, EFMP, and BOSS 6.5 Suicide Prevention, Behavioral Health, and Resilience 6.6 Prohibited Activities: Extremism, Retaliation, Prohibited Relationships, and Political Activity 6.7 Retention, Reenlistment, and the Career Counseling of Subordinates
7 Tactical Combat Casualty Care & First Aid (TC 4-02.1 & ATP 4-02.83)
7.1 TCCC Phases of Care: Care Under Fire, Tactical Field Care, and TACEVAC 7.2 MARCH PAWS Assessment: Massive Hemorrhage and Airway Management 7.3 Respiration, Circulation, Shock, Burns, and Environmental Injuries 7.4 9-Line MEDEVAC Request Protocol and Tactical Evacuation Procedures
8 CBRN Defense & Force Protection (ATP 3-11.32 & AR 525-13)
8.1 CBRN Hazards, Chemical Agent Classifications, and Physiological Effects 8.2 MOPP Gear Levels, Protective Mask PMCS, and Decontamination 8.3 Antiterrorism, Physical Security, and Force Protection Conditions (AR 525-13)
9 Weapons, Land Navigation, and Physical Readiness
9.1 M4/M16 Rifle Characteristics, Clearing, Malfunctions, and Weapons Safety (TC 3-22.9) 9.2 Map Reading, Grid Coordinates, and Marginal Information (TC 3-25.26) 9.3 Land Navigation: Terrain Features, Azimuths, Intersection, and Resection 9.4 Holistic Health and Fitness, the Army Fitness Test, and the Combat Field Test 9.5 The Army Body Composition Program and the Waist-to-Height Standard (AD 2026-13) 9.6 Crew-Served Weapons, Sidearms, and Munitions
10 Military Justice, the Law of War, and Duty
10.1 The UCMJ, Article 15 Non-Judicial Punishment, and Courts-Martial 10.2 The Code of Conduct, the Law of War, and Rules of Engagement 10.3 Guard Duty, the Three General Orders, and Operations Security
11 Training Management and Unit Sustainment
11.1 Training Management: ICTL, the Digital Job Book, and Sergeant's Time Training 11.2 Maintenance, Supply Discipline, and Property Accountability
6.4 Soldier and Family Support Programs: AER, Red Cross, ACS, EFMP, and BOSS
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
AER (AR 930-4) provides interest-free loans and grants for emergency travel, housing, and medical needs; the Quick Assist Program permits CDRs/1SGs to approve up to $2,000.
The American Red Cross operates 24/7 emergency communications to verify family emergencies for commanders; the Red Cross does not grant leave, as leave approval rests solely with commanders.
ACS (AR 608-1) is the central installation hub for family programs including the Family Advocacy Program (FAP), Financial Readiness, and Relocation Readiness.
EFMP (AR 608-75) is mandatory for Soldiers with special medical or educational family needs to ensure assignment locations have adequate specialized care.
The ACE suicide intervention model (AR 600-92) mandates Ask directly, Care actively, and Escort immediately; national crisis lifeline is 988 (Press 1).
Last updated: September 2026
Soldier and Family Support Programs: AER, Red Cross, ACS, EFMP, and BOSS
Core Doctrine: The readiness of the Army is inextricably linked to the well-being, financial security, and resilience of its Soldiers and military families. When personal, financial, or domestic crises arise, installation support programs provide the vital infrastructure necessary to stabilize the home front, allowing service members to maintain absolute operational focus on their tactical missions.
1. Army Emergency Relief (AER) — AR 930-4
Army Emergency Relief (AER) is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization. Established in 1942, AER is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated exclusively to helping Soldiers and their eligible dependents resolve unforeseen financial emergencies.
Forms of Assistance
Interest-Free Loans: The most common form of AER assistance; repaid through monthly military pay allotments with zero percent interest.
Outright Grants: Provided when repayment would create severe, compounding financial hardship on the Soldier or surviving family.
Loan/Grant Combination: A tailored blend where part of the balance is repaid and the remainder is forgiven as a grant.
Authorized Categories of Need
Emergency travel expenses (airline, fuel, lodging) for immediate family death or critical illness.
Rent, mortgage payments, or initial security deposits to prevent eviction or homelessness.
Essential utilities (electricity, water, heating gas) to prevent shutoff.
Essential personal vehicle repairs (brakes, tires, transmission) required for duty transportation.
Food and infant formula during temporary pay disruptions or emergency relocation.
Non-reimbursed medical, dental, and funeral expenses.
Prohibited Categories (What AER Cannot Fund)
Real estate purchases, home remodeling, or land investments.
Purchasing non-essential luxury items, consumer electronics, or vacation travel.
Paying civilian legal defense fees, bail bonds, or court-imposed fines.
Funding commercial business investments or debt refinancing.
The "Quick Assist Program" (QAP)
Under the Quick Assist Program , company commanders and First Sergeants (CDR/1SG) have delegated direct approval authority to authorize up to $2,000 in interest-free loans or grants. Soldiers in good standing can receive immediate financial assistance directly through their unit leadership without requiring prior administrative screening or financial case appointments at the installation AER office.
Annual AER Campaign
Conducted annually across the Army from March through May, the campaign educates Soldiers on available AER benefits and provides an opportunity for service members to donate voluntarily to support fellow Soldiers.
2. American Red Cross Emergency Communications
The American Red Cross is an independent, non-governmental humanitarian organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. It is not a branch of the Department of Defense and receives no direct military operational funding.
24/7 Emergency Communications System
The Red Cross operates the Hero Care Center , an around-the-clock worldwide communications network connecting deployed and garrison Soldiers with their families during severe life events.
Verification Role: When a family emergency occurs (death, imminent death, or life-threatening illness/injury of an immediate family member, or the birth of a child), the family contacts the Red Cross. The Red Cross independently contacts attending physicians, hospitals, or funeral homes to obtain objective, clinical verification of the emergency.
Message Transmission: Once verified, the Red Cross transmits an official, serialized emergency communication message directly to the Soldier's unit commander.
Critical Board Principle: The American Red Cross does NOT approve, authorize, or grant military emergency leave . The Red Cross solely verifies the facts of the emergency. Under AR 600-8-10 ( Leaves and Passes ), the unit commander possesses the sole legal and statutory authority to approve or deny emergency leave.
3. Army Community Service (ACS) — AR 608-1
Army Community Service (ACS) serves as the central installation clearinghouse for family readiness and community support. Its doctrinal mission is to facilitate self-reliance, resilience, and stability across the military community. The ACS motto is: "Self-Reliance, Resilience, and Stability." ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
- │ ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE (ACS) │
- │ (AR 608-1) │
- └──────────────────┬──────────────────┘
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- ┌──────────────────┬──────────────────────┼──────────────────────┬──────────────────┐
- │ │ │ │ │
- ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼ ▼
- ┌──────┐ ┌────────┐ ┌────────┐ ┌────────┐ ┌────────┐
- │ FAP │ │ FRP │ │ RELOC │ │ ERP │ │ SOS │
- └──────┘ └────────┘ └────────┘ └────────┘ └────────┘
- Family Financial Relocation Employment Survivor
- Advocacy Readiness Readiness / Readiness Outreach
- Program Program Lending Closet Program Services
Core ACS Directorate Programs:
Family Advocacy Program (FAP): Dedicated to the prevention, identification, reporting, and clinical intervention of domestic violence, intimate partner abuse, and child neglect. Offers parenting classes, anger management, and new parent support.
Financial Readiness Program (FRP): Provides comprehensive financial literacy, personal budget counseling, debt liquidation strategies, consumer advocacy, and investment education. Mandatory for first-term Soldiers arriving at their first duty station.
Relocation Readiness Program: Assists Soldiers and families transitioning between duty stations. Operates the Lending Closet , which provides temporary household equipment (pots, pans, irons, toasters, infant cribs, sleeping mats) free of charge to families awaiting the arrival of their household goods.
Employment Readiness Program (ERP): Supports military spouses with resume preparation, job search strategies, career fairs, and professional licensure portability across state lines.
Survivor Outreach Services (SOS): Delivers continuous, comprehensive, multi-agency support to the surviving families (Gold Star families) of Soldiers who died while on active duty.
4. Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) — AR 608-75
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory Department of the Army enrollment program for active duty military personnel who have family members with documented special medical or educational needs.
Program Mandates & Mechanics:
Mandatory Enrollment: Enrollment is required for spouse, child, or dependent parent who possesses a chronic medical condition (e.g., severe asthma, diabetes, cancer, rare neurological conditions) requiring specialized medical care, or a developmental, intellectual, or emotional disability requiring an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or specialized early intervention services.
Personnel Assignment Coordination: The primary operational function of EFMP is coordinating with Human Resources Command (HRC) during the assignment process. Before issuing permanent change of station (PCS) orders, HRC conducts an EFMP screening to verify that the projected gaining installation has the specialized hospital facilities, specialty physicians, and local public school accommodations necessary to support the family member.
Board Fact: EFMP enrollment does NOT limit a Soldier's worldwide deployability , tactical assignment to combat units, or career progression. The Soldier remains fully deployable for combat operations; EFMP coordinates family physical relocation.
5. Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) — AR 215-1
The Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) program is an official Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program designed to advocate for the quality of life, recreational opportunities, and community service of single Soldiers (including single parents and geographical bachelors).
The Three Core Pillars of BOSS:
Quality of Life: Addresses living conditions and welfare issues affecting single Soldiers, including barracks maintenance, dining facility (DFAC) hours and quality, gym facilities, and on-post transportation.
Community Service: Organizes volunteer service projects, partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, veteran homes, animal shelters, and local community cleanup efforts.
Recreation and Leisure: Plans and executes affordable social events, high-adventure outdoor excursions (whitewater rafting, skiing, skydiving), sporting tournaments, and cultural trips.
Leadership Structure:
Senior Enlisted Advisor: The installation Command Sergeant Major (CSM) serves as the senior military advisor to the BOSS program.
Executive Committee: Managed by an elected president, vice president, and secretary from the junior enlisted ranks, who interface directly with senior installation leadership to resolve soldier concerns.
6. Army Suicide Prevention Program — AR 600-92
The Army Suicide Prevention Program (ASPP) is governed by Army Regulation 600-92 . The core mission is to preserve the fighting force by reducing suicide ideation, eliminating the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health assistance, and empowering junior leaders to take decisive, compassionate action.
The ACE Intervention Model
The Army's foundational bystander intervention model for suicide prevention is ACE ( Ask, Care, Escort ): [ ASK ] ---> Ask directly: "Are you thinking of killing yourself?"
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[ CARE ] ---> Listen empathetically, remain calm, and remove lethal means.
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[ ESCORT ] ---> Never leave the Soldier alone; personally walk them to help.
ASK: Have the courage to ask the question directly, calmly, and without ambiguity. Avoid euphemisms. Ask directly: "Are you thinking of killing yourself?" or "Are you thinking of committing suicide?" Asking the question directly does not plant the idea in their mind; it communicates that you care and are ready to listen.
CARE: Demonstrate genuine empathy and personal concern. Calmly listen to the Soldier's struggles without lecturing, criticizing, or expressing shock. Remove any readily accessible lethal means, including personal weapons, duty firearms, ammunition, knives, and medications.
ESCORT: Never leave the Soldier alone , even for a moment. Do not send them to behavioral health unaccompanied. Personally escort the Soldier to the nearest emergency room, behavioral health clinic, chaplain, or unit command post. If immediate danger exists, contact Military Police or emergency services.
Crisis Lifeline Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Service members in crisis can call or text 988 , then Press 1 to be connected immediately to the Veterans/Military Crisis Line.
Military Crisis Line Online Chat: Available at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or via text to 838255 .
7. Comprehensive Service Programs Directory Matrix
Program Name Governing Regulation Primary Purpose Eligible Population Key Services Provided
Army Emergency Relief (AER) AR 930-4 Emergency financial relief Active Soldiers, Retirees, Surviving Spouses Interest-free loans, grants, Quick Assist Program ($2,000)
American Red Cross Congressional Charter Emergency communications All Military Personnel & Families 24/7 verified emergency messaging for leave decisions
Army Community Service (ACS) AR 608-1 Family readiness & community support Soldiers, Spouses, DA Civilians FAP, Financial Readiness, Lending Closet, Relocation
Exceptional Family Member (EFMP) AR 608-75 Medical & educational assignment coordination Active Duty with Special Needs Dependents Assignment screening, medical coordination, IEP support
Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS) AR 215-1 Single Soldier well-being & morale Single Soldiers, Single Parents, Geo Bachelors Quality of life advocacy, community service, leisure trips
Suicide Prevention Program AR 600-92 Force preservation & crisis intervention Total Army Force ACE model training, stigma reduction, 988 Lifeline