Family Readiness

Anyone who's ever seen an episode of Army Wives has heard of the Family Readiness Group. The FRG's most basic function is to help "promote" the family unit, specifically during time of deployments. It is of course, more complicated than that, but for tonights purposes we'll stick with basics.
Being involved in the FRG can be frustrating, for even the most experienced spouses.
Its rare that you will find one who is up to the task. I'm not knocking those who try, I'm just stating it is a difficult job.
The FRG leader will typically end up with a feeling she has joined the "Army of One", and end up feeling let down, even disappointed. When we do find that fearless leader who can guide us through a deployment, it is almost inevitable she will be transferred to another troop or another base entirely. (told you I'd give you a shout out, lol)This can basically reset the entire FRG. All progress made is gone.

Once a month, the present family members, will be summoned to a meeting. This is where TV gets it wrong (in every aspect). If we were all as excited about the FRG meetings as it would appear on television, the world would be perfect. The total attendance at a typical FRG meeting is less than 5. Those are typically the newer spouses or the ones that have made friends with the leader and show as a sign of support. Or the ones like me, who go to make sure they aren't the ones being talked about. (We're women. If you aren't there, we're gonna talk about you!)

As for when attendance is at its best, you may find yourself wishing, everyone stayed home.
When you get a group of women together it can be chaotic. When you get a group of disgruntled women who haven't seen their husband in 6 months, it can be cataclysmic.
Running an FRG meeting can be equated to herding cats in heat, who have been dunked in a bathtub. No matter what the issue, the problem is somehow the fault of the FRG leader. She apparently wears an invisible cape, is intended to fly at lightning speed, and willing to fight all of the worlds evils.

The FRG is a necessity, but it is only as good as you make it. Keep in mind, it is a volunteer position. If one thinks they can be the next Claudia Joy, they are typically more than welcome to make an attempt.