APPENDIX
J
INITIATIVES
THAT WORKED
The following techniques and procedures were gathered from collection activities associated with Operation JUST CAUSE. These activities worked and should be viewed as lessons that can be used in future deployments.
- Mail forwarded by families from brigade and battalion headquarters was received promptly in Panama; mail from Panama was less prompt but welcomed by families.
- Lists of deployed single soldiers, by company, were given to battalion commanders wives for the writing of correspondence to single soldiers.
- Phone calls from soldiers in hospitals to families provided a more pleasant notification. This did allow the casualty office to modify procedures. (Families should be cautioned about receiving incorrect information from soldiers about the status of other soldiers in the unit)
- A "buddy system" was constructed in which wives paired up and contacted each other daily to check on their needs.
- Encouragement was given to continue with normal activities, functions and parties.
- Company get-togethers (potlucks, lunches) encouraged company, identification and positive attitudes.
- Company welcome home activities included decorations, snacks in day rooms, and personal notes on single soldier doors.
- Battalion meetings for wives several days into the operation provided an opportunity to reiterate the importance of their husband's missions and the need for the wives to trust the FSG system, not to become involved in gossip and rumors, and display strength of character.
- Phone rosters were kept current and supported the flow of information between family members and agencies.
- FAC, ACS, AER, post chaplains quickly helped resolve many emergency situations.
- Daily
operational summaries were effective in providing information to wives. The
repetitious nature of the summaries calmed wives fears and anticipations.
Table
of Contents
Appendix
I: Family Assistance Questionnaire
Acknowledgements
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