ARD/SFRD Media Update for June 23-29, 2023

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June 30, 2023     

Please see below for the Army Resilience Directorate/Soldier and Family Readiness Directorate Media Update for June 23-29, 2023.

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For a pdf copy of the Media Updates, click here.

On June 1, the Army Resilience Directorate realigned to G-9 and consolidated with the Soldier and Family Readiness Directorate (SFRD).

ARD-SFRD Newsletter Submissions
We are now accepting submissions for the August 2023 issue of the Community Link newsletter; the deadline is July 18th. Submissions should focus on either physical fitness or suicide prevention. Bylines can be up to 200 words and articles up to 400 words, each accompanied by one or two high-resolution photos. Please submit a caption with your photos that describes the event along with a title, the names and ranks of people in the photo (if applicable) and the date the photo was taken. Send your submissions or questions to the editor, Tara Davis, at tara.davis@mat-inc.net.

2023 Summer Strengthening Social Media Toolkit
The 2023 Summer Strengthening Social Media Toolkit is designed to help program managers, public affairs officers and other stakeholders lead local social media campaigns to strengthen resilience across the force. Campaign messages focus on suicide prevention and other harmful behaviors by sustaining strong connections and building new ones, addressing lethal means safety and increasing awareness of alcohol risk factors. The toolkit also highlights the 5 Dimensions of Personal Readiness for enhancing resilience.  
Download this essential resource and help Soldiers stay resilient this season. https://marcomcentral.app.pti.com/Ironmark/ARDMaterials

Connect With Us Through Social Media  
Stay informed by following and liking us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ArmyResilience/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/ArmyResilience), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/armyresilience/) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-resilience-directorate/). Build resilience as an Army member while keeping up to date on events, policies and program changes.  

Senior Leader Toolkit
This leadership toolkit will improve mission readiness by equipping military leaders with the knowledge, tools and workforce to reduce the risk of harmful behaviors. The toolkit provides resources and information to increase understanding of policy requirements and responsibilities of the Integrated Primary Prevention Workforce. To learn more, visit https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/ard/leader-resources.html.

Suicide Prevention Resources for Commanders 
Commanders and unit leaders can find suicide prevention resources on the ARD website, including suicide prevention handbooks for leaders at all levels, Leaders Suicide Prevention Safe Messaging Guide, Defense Suicide Prevention Office Family Guide: Supporting Military Families in Crisis, public service announcements/videos, and postvention guides and toolkits for active and reserve units and leaders. To access these resources, visit https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/suicide-prevention/pages/LeaderResources.html.

ASAP and R2 Awareness Materials Are Available!
Register for a free Products on Demand account here: https://marcomcentral.app.pti.com/Ironmark/ARDmaterials.
Follow the New Users - Click Here to Register link and fill out and submit the form. The materials are free, and some are also available for digital download.

SHARP Resources for Commanders 
The ARD website provides commanders with SHARP resources and information, including the SAPR toolkit, education and leader development, training and links to sexual harassment, sexual assault and victim support resources from the DOD, government and nonprofit organizations. https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/sharp/pages/Resources-for-Commanders.html

Upcoming Event
July 26: July outreach webinar: Ethical Practices and Responsibilities in the Advocacy World, with Alejandro Palacios
Times: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET  
Registration is required.    
To register for the 11 a.m. webinar, visit: https://strategyconsultingteam.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_hyY9BChJS1-ax8MIQIYq0A.
To register for the 2 p.m. webinar, visit:   
https://strategyconsultingteam.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_3wMdrKahRI2I1lgrFYrIZw.

The stories quoted in the ARD/SFRD Media Update are provided for situational awareness. Statistics, data and quotes used by these media sources have not been checked for accuracy or approved/endorsed by the U.S. Army. Verify all information with official Army sources before quoting or citing.

ARTICLE: DOD Aims for More Consistent Support for Special Needs Families
SYNOPSIS: Military Families with special needs should expect more consistency and better support through the Exceptional Family Member program in the wake of new DOD guidance.
REPORTER: Karen Jowers, Military Times
https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/military-benefits/2023/06/28/dod-aims-for-
more-consistent-support-for-special-needs-families/

ARTICLE: Senate Committee Advances Bill That May Kill Army Combat Fitness Test
SYNOPSIS: The Senate Armed Services Committee passed the chamber’s fiscal 2024 defense policy bill, which according to an official summary, “restores the Army’s Physical Fitness Test as the test of record.” The move signals powerful lawmakers’ frustration with the Army Combat Fitness Test.
REPORTER: Davis Winkie, Army Times
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2023/06/26/senate-committee-advances-
bill-that-may-kill-army-combat-fitness-test/

ARTICLE: Troop Levels Worry Congress
SYNOPSIS: The House Appropriations defense subcommittee has expressed concern about the Army and Marine Corps having the lowest troop levels in more than 60 years. Army officials acknowledge they want a larger force, but they don’t want to fill the ranks with unqualified recruits. Efforts are underway to improve recruiting. Some success has come from a program designed to improve the academic and physical fitness scores for those interested in military service but are unqualified.
REPORTER: Association of the United States Army
https://www.ausa.org/news/troop-levels-worry-congress

RELATED: ARTICLE: Army Revamps Tape Test
https://www.ausa.org/news/army-revamps-tape-test

ARTICLE: Army Implements New SH Tracker, Focuses on Streamlining Complaint Process
SYNOPSIS: The Army has developed a new tool to better monitor the progress of sexual harassment complaints and ensure that all necessary timelines are met.
REPORTER: Antwaun J. Parrish, Army.mil
https://www.army.mil/article/267856

ARTICLE: Preparing for PCS? The Total Army Sponsorship Program Can Help
SYNOPSIS: Moving can mean a fresh start in a new and potentially exciting place. No matter how easy or difficult, it always means extensive planning and preparation, incurring expenses, disrupting regular schedules for children, interrupting relationships and putting a lot of space between you and the people you care most about. TASP is the Army’s solution to difficult moves to new places both in the continental U.S. (CONUS) and outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS). 
REPORTER: Tara Davis, Army.mil
https://www.army.mil/article/267861

ARTICLE: U.S. Army Warrant Officer Arrested for Sexual Battery of Minor in Stone, Colorado
SYNOPSIS: A U.S. Army warrant officer stationed at Camp Shelby was recently arrested on suspicion of sexual battery of a minor.
REPORTER: Renaldo Hopkins, WDAM
https://www.wdam.com/2023/06/26/us-army-warrant-officer-arrested-sexual-battery-
minor-stone-co/

ARTICLE: More Federal Money Likely Bound for Fort Bliss in 2024 National Defense Authorization Act
SYNOPSIS: Another round of federal funding is expected for Fort Bliss via the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, which was recently cleared by the House Armed Services Committee. The bill also includes provisions for sexual harassment and sexual assault claims and suicide prevention.
REPORTER: Adam Powell, El Paso Times
https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/military/ft-bliss/2023/06/29/house-commitee-
greenlights-national-defense-authorization-act-with-millions-for-fort-bliss-el
-paso/70350733007/

ARTICLE: DSPO Campaign Seeks to End Stigmatizing Language
SYNOPSIS: Words do have the power to insult and can even change people’s perceptions. That’s why the Defense Suicide Prevention Office’s Your Words Matter campaign is challenging the status quo by encouraging you to switch the way you discuss or address mental health topics.
REPORTER: Tara Davis, Army.mil
https://www.army.mil/article/267858

ARTICLE: Advice for Keeping Substance Use Out of Summer Activities
SYNOPSIS: Summer is the best time to take part in outdoor activities and plan social gatherings, but it is also a dangerous time for substance misuse. Subject matter experts from Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, have some advice on the issue. 
REPORTER: Shirley Tien, Army.mil
https://www.army.mil/article/267855

ARTICLE: Army University Leaders Learn To Overcome Challenges
SYNOPSIS: Fort Leavenworth Master Resilience Trainer - Performance Experts Craig Merkley and Cindy Swatek, in coordination with the Army Wellness Center, provided training to directors and senior leaders of schools and organizations within Army University to promote a team culture.
REPORTER: Erik Moshe, Army.mil
https://www.army.mil/article/267857

ARTICLE: The Makings of Resilience: Using Your Character Strengths
SYNOPSIS: Often, factors in everyday life, such as health-related issues, economic or psychological hardship and social issues, can present overwhelming and unforeseen challenges. During those difficult times, it can be easy to focus on individual shortcomings or weaknesses, but increasing self-awareness and discovering your best qualities are the keys to overcoming those challenges.
REPORTER: Mavia Hanson, Army.mil
https://www.army.mil/article/267864

ARTICLE: MIRC Hosts Soldiers and Families During Building Strong and Ready Teams Event
SYNOPSIS: Military Intelligence Readiness Command Soldiers and Family members attended a Building Strong and Ready Teams event. Building Strong and Ready Teams–previously known as Strong Bonds–is a command-directed, chaplain-led, community-partnered effort that strengthens spiritual readiness for Soldiers their Families.
REPORTER: Maj. Joshua Frye, Army.mil
https://www.army.mil/article/267915/mirc_hosts_soldiers_and_families_during_building_
strong_and_ready_teams_event

ARTICLE: Keeping Soldiers’ Spirits High as Temperatures Soar
SYNOPSIS: Here are three Army bases where the importance of rest and recreation is well recognized as a means to strengthen bonds among Soldiers and Families as well as help them combat the fatigue brought on by brutally hot weather.
REPORTER: Kim Ferraro, Army.mil
https://www.army.mil/article/267860

ARTICLE: Library Combats 'Summer Gap' With Reading Program
SYNOPSIS: Turnbull Memorial Library in Hohenfels, Germany, began its annual summer reading program with a party. The event was meant to attract Families to an Army-wide program focused on keeping children reading and learning during a time American children are often away from structured education and slip academically.
REPORTER: Bryan Gatchell, Army.mil
https://www.army.mil/article/267901/hohenfels_library_combats_summer_gap_with_
reading_program