Army Community Service

Under AR 930-4, Army Emergency Relief provides financial assistance in the form of a non-interest-bearing loan, grant, or a combination of the two.

We are located on Fort Detrick Army Community Service Center, Building #1520, room125, Freedman Drive, Fort Detrick MD 21702.

Please bring the following for your visit:

• Military ID Card
• Leave and Earnings Statement
• Leave or PCS Orders
• Substantiating Documents (e.g. Car repair estimate, rental agreement, utility bill)
• Refer to the areas of assistance below for the required forms

​​​​​Who Does Army Emergency Relief Assist?

• Soldiers on extended active duty and their dependents.
• Members of the Reserve Components of the Army (Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve) on continuous active duty for more than 30 days and their dependents. (This applies to Soldiers on active duty for training or serving under various sections of title 10, United States Code).
• Soldiers retired from active duty because of longevity or physical disability or retired upon reaching age 60 (Reserve Components) and their dependents.
• Widows and Widowers and orphans of Soldiers who died while on active duty or after they retired.

Army Emergency Relief cannot assist with:

• Help pays for non-essentials.
• Finance ordinary leave or vacation.
• Pay fines or legal expenses.
• Help liquidate or consolidate debt.
• Assist with house purchase or home improvements.
• Help purchase, rent, or lease a vehicle.
• Cover bad checks.
• Pay credit card bills.
• Funds to replace those overdrawn from bank account.

Spousal Assistance

Spouses may receive financial assistance; however, they must be geographically separated and possess a Power of Attorney (stating they can apply for AER), Military ID card and provide substantiating documents (eg. car repair estimate, rental agreement, utility bill).

What kind of assistance is given?

 Assistance may be provided in the form of a non-interest-bearing loan, a grant (an outright gift of funds) if repayment of loan will cause undue hardship or a combination of the two. Should a loan be given, it will be allotted from the Soldier’s military pay. It is always best to discuss the payment plan with an Army Emergency Relief representative.

Is there a dollar limit on Army Emergency Relief assistance?

While there is no dollar cap (depending on the category), the assistance must help solve the problem.

Where does Army Emergency Relief receive its funding?

• Voluntary contributions from active and retired soldiers.
• Repayment of Army Emergency Relief interest-free loans.
• Income from investments.
• Unsolicited contributions.

During duty hours please call 301-619-3455/2197. Should you need emergency assistance after duty hours, on weekends, or when the Army Community Center is closed contact the American Red Cross (877-272-7337).

The Army Family Action Plan is one of the Army's principal programs to ensure that well-being in the Army keeps pace with changing times. By giving Soldiers (active and reserve), Civilian employees, and families the opportunity to make input into and influence their own standards of living, the Army Family Action Plan helps the Army attract and retain a well-qualified, high-caliber force; foster Soldier and family satisfaction; and stand-up programs that encourage confident, self-sufficient soldiers and family members. Fort Detrick Markets the Army Family Web Portal Issue Management System as a method to gather issues from the community.  Please contact the Fort Detrick ACS center at (301) 619-3385/2197 for more details.

Army Family Team Building prepares individuals through specialized military knowledge, personal growth and resiliency, and leadership development training, generating flexible, adaptive Service Members, Family Members, Retirees and Department of Defense Civilians, and Survivors.

Army Family Team Building is a series of training modules that are marketed through online trainings that prepares individuals through specialized military knowledge, Personal Growth and Resiliency, and leadership development training, generating flexible, adaptive Service Members, Family Members, Retirees and Department of Defense Civilians. Army Family Team Building improves personal and Family preparedness which enhances overall Army readiness and helps America’s Army adapt to a changing world.

AFTB helps you to not just cope with but enjoy the military lifestyle. Many of the courses can be applied toward resume and career building, self-development, and leadership skills. Army Family Team Building provides the knowledge and self-confidence to take responsibility for yourself and your Family. The training is available to Soldiers, Family members of all Soldiers, Department of Defense civilians and volunteers.

Please contact the Army Community Service Center at 301-619-6364 for further information.

At this time, Army Family Team Building classes may be taken online at My Army One Source

Classes are provided in English and Spanish.

Level I is composed of modules designed for the new to the Army Spouse or anyone interested in updating personal skills or basic knowledge. Classes include Military Terms, Customs and Acronyms and Chain of Command/Chain of Concern.

Level II is geared toward emerging leaders. Classes include Enhancing Relationship Building, Family Support Groups and Group Dynamics, to name just a few.

Level III courses offer training to enhance the professional growth and leadership development opportunities of family members, especially those who might assume advisory and mentoring leadership roles with the community and unit.

Whatever level or class you decide to take is a matter of choice. While some classes have prerequisites to allow the student to build on information previously given, it is a matter of your choice where and when you want to attend.

The Army Volunteer Corps is a new way of thinking about volunteers and volunteering within the Army. It is an umbrella that encompasses all volunteers and organizations using volunteers. No matter where individuals volunteer in the Army community, they have the same goal. People volunteer to contribute to the Army, to Soldiers, and to their family members.

The intent of the Army Volunteer Corps is to recognize this commonality of purpose among all Army volunteers and to instill the same pride in being an Army volunteer as they now have for the organization where they provide their service. The establishment of the Army Volunteer Corps connects volunteers and demonstrates the Army's commitment to its volunteers.

Volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of Soldiers and their Families every day. Army Volunteer Corps is designed to help you find local volunteering opportunities with organizations that benefit the Army community.

The Army Volunteer Corps has redefined volunteering within the Army. We embrace existing volunteer programs, unite all volunteers who support service members (including National Guard and Reservists), Family Members, Retirees and Department of Defense Civilians, and Survivors, and formalize the Army’s commitment to volunteerism.

No matter where people volunteer in the Army community, they usually want to contribute to Soldiers and their Family members. We recognize this common goal and want to help you find the right opportunity for you.

Volunteering helps your community and helps you as well. When you participate with Army Volunteer Corps, you’ll:

• Gain a sense of satisfaction and achievement by meeting challenges.
• Learn about the Army, our sister services, and the community.
• Acquire new skills and expand old ones.
• Obtain work experience.
• Build new friendships and become a cohesive part of the community.

Contact your local Army Volunteer Coordinator within your Army community Service Center to register and learn about volunteer opportunities across the Army.

How do I join the Army Volunteer Corps?

There is no organization to join. You are a member of the Army Volunteer Corps when you volunteer for any organization that provides service to Soldiers and families. Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) is awarded to Soldiers who have volunteered per the installation's required hours. For permanent party Soldiers, 150 hours is required; and military students, i.e. MIOBC, AIT Soldiers, are required to fulfill a 100-hour requirement.

Please contact the Army community Service Center (301-619-3385/2197) for a listing of volunteer opportunities on/off post and for further information.

301-619-2197/3385

The Fort Detrick Employment Readiness services are provided through the Frederick County Workforce Center.  The Fort Detrick Employment liaison assist clients with coordinating the services that they require.

The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) offers resources to help with your career plan and job search. Whether you’re a military spouse or Family member who just moved to a new installation, retiree, DoD Civilian looking for new opportunities, active-duty military, active Reserve, National Guard member, or Wounded Warrior, we’re here to help.

The services include:

• Up-to-date information on local, national, and international employment opportunities, job market trends and education, and volunteer resources
• Classes and seminars on self-assessment and career exploration, resume writing, interviewing techniques, dressing for success, networking, and entrepreneurship
• Résumé critiques
• Career counseling and individual career assessments
• Job fairs and other hiring events
• Teen/youth employment information
• Computers with Internet access, résumé-writing software, and typing tutorials
• Virtual Career Library access
• Education, scholarship and volunteer referral information
• Unemployment and licensure transfer information

• Use of computer (CAC accessible), Wi-fi and printers
• Use of scanner and fax for job related activities
• Job board with a variety of job announcements

Contact your Employment Readiness Liaison, 301-619-3385 for more information. 

The Exceptional Family Member Program is a mandatory enrollment program that works with military and civilian agencies to assist families with special needs by providing comprehensive and coordinated community, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services. The ACS coordinates, integrates, and manages the installation EFMP for the commander. The regulation that covers EFMP is AR 608-75.

Objectives of the EFMP Program

• To provide certain reimbursable and non-reimbursable medically related services to children with disabilities (DODI 1342.12) with the same priority as medical care to active-duty soldier.
• To assess, document, and code the special education and medical needs of eligible family members in all locations and forward these coded needs to military personnel for consideration during assignment process.
• To consider the medical/educational special needs of the EFM during the assignment process. To assign soldiers to areas where medical and special education needs may be accommodated provided there is a valid personnel requirement for the soldier’s grade and specialty. Once the EFM is enrolled Military Personnel agencies will consider the EFM needs during the nominative phase of the assignment process. Benefits of enrollment include allowing assignment managers to consider the needs of family members during the assignment process.

Who is Eligible for Enrollment?

The following soldiers with exceptional family members (children and adults):

• Active Army, U.S. Army Reserve, Active Guard Reserve on active duty exceeding 30 days and Army National Guard personnel serving under authority of title 10, US Code (10 USC).
• Family member (child or adult) with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual special need that requires care above the level of a general practitioner.
• Enrollment must be updated every three years.

Examples of Potentially Eligible Conditions

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart Conditions
• Developmental Delays
• Depression
• Asthma
• ADD/ADH

Please call 301-619-3385/2197 for more information.

Family Advocacy Program (FAP)/Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA)/FAP Educator, 301-619-7453

Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provides a variety of services to Soldiers and Families to enhance their relationship skills and improve their quality of life. Whether you believe it or not, everyone can benefit from prevention and education as it is always better to be proactive than reactive. It is important that soldiers and their families realize that when stressed, they are more vulnerable to life’s challenges and at times a little extra support is sometimes needed. Some of the services members can receive at FAP include healthy coping skills, couples’ communication, anger management, parenting classes, and more. The FAP educators facilitate psycho education/child abuse prevention classes, and provides annual briefings and trainings, for Commanders, Soldiers and military Families on both mandated topics and identified needs. Additionally, FAP is dedicated to reducing intimate partner and child abuse violence through education, identification, and referring those in need of more assistance to deal with challenging situations and/or more intense interventions.

The Financial Readiness Program is your resource for information on money matters. We can help you better understand financial topics like:

• Military pay
• Checkbook/debit card management
• Financial responsibility
• Credit reporting
• Debt elimination strategies
• Saving
• Investing
• Budgeting

ACS also has Financial Counselors available for advice, guidance, and support. In times of emotional distress, figuring out what to do about finances can create a heavy burden. Survivor Outreach Services Financial Counselors provide professional financial information and services in areas such as investing, estate planning, tax issues, and basic budgeting. Our Financial Counselors will be there when you need them, for as long as you need them. They are committed to assisting you in creating your financial security and ensuring you receives the necessary information to make sound financial decisions.

We can also help you learn about other financial services, including:

For more information about how the Financial Readiness Program can help you, contact your nearest Army Community Service Center.

Other helpful financial readiness links include:

• Thrift Savings Plan: A Federal Government-sponsored long-term retirement savings and investment plan, available for both Federal civilian employees and members of the uniformed services.
• U.S. Savings Bonds: A shorter-term savings option with competitive interest rates and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
• Military Saves: A component of the nonprofit America Saves and a partner in the Department of Defense’s Financial Readiness Campaign, Military Saves seeks to motivate, support, and encourage military Families to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth.
• Money Matters: A mobile-optimized resource with calculators for savings, debt reduction and other reference material in one location.
• Financial Literacy Game: A great way to learn about finances, integrating creativity, education and fun in a virtual world.
• Housing Resources for Military Members: The National Military Family Association has compiled a great list of resources to help Military Families who are struggling with the pitfalls of the housing crisis.
• Army OneSource: Network of the services and delivery of support to Soldiers and their Families.
• Military OneSource: A Department of Defense-funded program that provides comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, National Guard, reserve members, and their Families.
• Office of Servicemember Affairs: A component of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau helps to educate and empower military members, veterans, and their Families in the consumer financial marketplace.
• Saveandinvest.org: A project of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, a free, unbiased resource dedicated to your financial health. Helps you make informed decisions through easy-to-use tools and resources, and arms you with the information you need to protect yourself from investment fraud.
• Better Business Bureau Military Line: Provides specialized education and support services, which meets the needs of active and retired military personnel and their Families.

Please contact your Fort Detrick FRP Manager at 301-619-3455

The Fort Detrick Army Community Service Information, Referral, and Follow-Up Program provides commanders, Soldiers, and families with information regarding military and civilian community resources. Our trained staff will give clients any information or assistance they may need or will refer them to the appropriate agency that can best help them.

The Information, Referral, and Follow-Up Program can assist you with any questions you have regarding the Fort Detrick military community or the local area. If you need information about on or off-post services they're happy to help! Stop by the Army Community Service Center and pick up a Fort Detrick map. Information, Referral, and Follow-Up Program is also the point of contact for Army Community Service class registrations, or information about any Army Community Service programs. Please dial 301-619-2197/3385.

We can assist with the following:

• On or off-post community resources
• Questions about the community
• Army Community Service Class registration and information
• Installation Telephone Directory

The Mobilization, Deployment, and Stability Support Operations (MD&SSO) helps support community readiness during deployments and emergencies.  The FT Detrick Mobilization and Deployment is marketed as online trainings. We help make sure installation programs align with unit deployment cycles, provide pre- and post-deployment support, and help unit commanders with their Family readiness plans and deployment support services for service members and their Families. We're responsible for operating an Emergency Family Assistance Center in the case of an all-hazards event and supporting service members and Families during Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) and repatriation. We also act as a case manager for all requests for assistance through the Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (ADPAAS).

Some of our resources include:

• Pre- and Post-Deployment Support

Help prepare Soldiers and Families for deployments and reintegration by providing trainings and resources throughout the deployment cycle in a variety of settings.

• Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs)

The Army Family Web Portal has SRG training that will assist units with the required trainings to initiate an SFRG. Designed to make sure Soldiers and Families have information you need and develop a military support group while the Soldier is deployed. Virtual Soldier and Family Readiness Groups also provide secure environments in which the commander can communicate directly with Soldiers and Families 24 hours a day no matter where you are.

• Emergency Family Assistance

Your link to continuous support and assistance as well as authoritative and accurate information in a sensitive, timely, and effective manner.

• Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System (ADPAAS)

Ensures all Army personnel and their dependents are accounted for during emergency situations.

• EO/Repatriation

We help the State Department help those who have been displaced after national emergencies and disasters.

For more information on Mobilization, Deployment, and Support Stability Operations support in your community, contact your local Army Community Service office and ask for the Mobilization and Deployment program manager.

Other Helpful Links:

• Military OneSource (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/)

This resourceful website provides information about deployment, reunion, finances, Family, children's workbooks and SFRGs. The download center allows you to research and download information that is important for you.

Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRGs)

(note: The online SFRG training is located in the Army Family Web Portal System)

A Soldier and Family Readiness Group is a command sponsored organization of Soldiers, Family members, civilian employees, and volunteers belonging to a unit, that together provide an avenue of mutual support and assistance and a network of communications among the Family members, the chain of command, chain of concern, and community resources.

SFRG Regulations and Training Resources

The SFRG is a commander's program executed in accordance with Army Directive 2019-17 and AR 600-20. Anyone looking for guidance or answers to FRG-related matters should consult these regulations, your commander or ethics counselor.

Readiness Essentials for Army Leaders (R.E.A.L) is designed for targeted positions within the SFRGs with six different modules:

• R.E.A.L Foundations

Designed to be a foundational course on Family Readiness and SFRGs. The 1.5-hour course covers the Department of Defense definition of Family Readiness and how the Army SFRG can assist commanders in meeting their mission of executing a unit Family Readiness program. The training provides basic information on the different roles within the SFRG from the command team to the different volunteer positions. Foundations is a required module for all other SFRG training, but it can act as a standalone module for troop training and desk side briefings for commanders needing an overview on Family Readiness and SFRGs.

• Command Team SFRG Training

Targeted towards commanders and first sergeants outlines the roles and responsibilities of the command team regarding how to leverage the SFRG to execute the Family Readiness mission. Topics include Family Readiness; Mission Essential Tasks for SFRGs; SFRG elements and Operations; Communications: Volunteer Management; SFRG Funding; and Resources.

• SFRG Informal Fund Custodian Training

Dedicated to specific volunteer giving tips and techniques for executing the role of informal funds custodian as well as practical exercises and role-playing scenarios in order to help volunteers better understand their role in the SFRG.

• SFRG Key Contact Training

Dedicated to specific volunteer giving tips and techniques for executing the role of Key Contact as well as practical exercises and role playing scenarios in order to help volunteers better understand their role in the SFRG.

• SFRG Leader Training

Provides the volunteer SFRG leader with an understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the SFRG and how they can execute the commander's vision. Provide knowledge needed to begin implementing the mission essential tasks associated with the SFRG.

• Family Readiness Liaison (FRL) Training

Provides the assigned unit FRL with an understanding of their roles and responsibilities within the SFRG and how they can execute the commander's vision. Provide knowledge needed to begin implementing the mission essential tasks associated with the SFRG.

New Parent Support Program (NPSP)
301-619-0323/7453/7171

This program offers parents (pregnant or with children through age three) the opportunity to learn new skills and to improve old ones. Our staff knows about the concerns of parents and the challenges that only Military Families face. The New Parent Support Program provides individualized home visits (face-to-face and virtual in lieu of) services in the parent and child’s natural learning environment. However, services can occur in an office, hospital, or community setting. Classes and groups are available which provide information on pregnancy, nutrition, parenting newborns and toddlers, problem solving and coping, discipline issues, social isolation, and military stressors. Services are also available outside normal duties hours so working parents can participate. Parenting Education classes and resources are available for both moms and dads. Let’s not forget the siblings, we have resources to help siblings welcome the new baby home. In a bind and need some supplies, NPSP has everything from swaddle blankets to rattles to diapers and wipes.

The Fort Detrick Relocation Readiness Program offers a comprehensive support system to help you and your family make permanent change of station moves as smoothly as possible. The mission of Relocation Readiness Program is to minimize the stress of relocation by offering skills and resources to Soldiers and families that will simplify the moving process throughout their military career.

Contact the Fort Detrick Relocation Readiness Program office at (301) 619-6364 / 2197.

We assist soldiers and their families in the following areas:

• Newcomers’ Orientations
• Welcome Packets
• Lending Closet: provides limited household items such as microwaves, dishes, small appliances, table and chairs, pots, pans, floor pads/mattresses, vacuum cleaners, and pet crates.
• Overseas Orientations to Germany/Korea/Italy/Japan
• Cultural information on living abroad.
• Reintegration Workshops when returning from OCONUS tours.
• Relocation Workshops & PCS Planning Briefs
• Relocation Planning and intro to online moving tools
• Unit Sponsorship Training and Assistance
• Free Internet Café and Printers
• Free Fax
• Free Photocopy

Our Fallen Soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their Families deserve our respect, our gratitude, and the very best we can provide. If you’re a surviving Family member, Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) offers you access to support, information, and services, closest to where you live, when you need it and for as long as you desire.  Survivor Outreach Services is part of the Army Casualty Continuum of Care. It’s designed to provide long-term support to surviving Families of Fallen Soldiers. Our goal is to reassure Survivors that they remain valued members of the Army Family.

Survivor Outreach Services helps in many ways:

Support Coordinators. The loss of a loved one often results in tremendous grief, which can be overwhelming. When faced with a tragedy, you may be wondering what direction to take. Your SOS Coordinator is your link to finding the resources and answers that will work best for you. Your local Support Coordinator is available to meet with you as you journey through this difficult transition by providing direct services as well as information, referrals, and recommendations. He or she can also connect you with support groups, spiritual resources, and bereavement and financial counselors. Your SOS Coordinator can also help you request and obtain copies of documents, navigate local, state, and federal agencies, and direct you to additional Survivor resources.

Financial Counselors. In times of emotional distress, figuring out what to do about finances can create a heavy burden. Survivor Outreach Services Financial Counselors provide professional financial information and services in areas such as investing, estate planning, tax issues, and basic budgeting. Our Financial Counselors are committed to helping you create financial security. They also help ensure you get the information you need to make sound financial decisions.

Gold Star Installation Access Card  

The Department of the Army has developed and is implementing a Gold Star Installation Access Card which is provided to you with the utmost gratitude for your sacrifice and that of your loved one who died in the service of our Nation. If you do not have a Department of Defense Identification Card, the use of this Gold Star Installation Access Card should make it much easier to gain entrance to Army Installations by eliminating the requirement to obtain a visitor/temporary vehicle pass whenever you come on post.

The Gold Star Installation Access Card will be issue to Family Members who are entitled to receive the Gold Star Lapel Button or the Gold Star Next of Kin Lapel Button.

Currently the Department of Defense (DoD) Physical Access Control Policy requires everyone seeking entrance to a military Installation to stop at the gate and present a government issued photo identification. Your Gold Star Installation Access Card will serve as your local access credential in accordance with DoD Security Standards. It is intended solely for recognition and access purposes - it does not grant additional entitlements or privileges (such as Post Exchange or Commissary) that you are not already authorized. The card also cannot be used for the Trusted Traveler Program. The Gold Star Installation Access Card is for use on Army Installations and may not be accepted at Navy, Marine, or Air Force bases.  The Gold Star Installation Access Card cannot be issued if the survivor already has a dependent ID or CAC Card.  Only one gate access card per person is permitted.

The Department of Defense uses Force Protection Conditions (FPCONS) to identify and recommend preventive actions and responses to threats against personnel and facilities. For your safety, if the FPCON is elevated to a higher threat level for any reason, you will not be allowed onto the Installation.

The Installation Access Card is valid for three years from the date of issue. Upon expiration, you may reapply for the Installation Access Card by completing a new application and background check. You will need to call and schedule an appointment with the Survivor Outreach Services staff to come in and complete the Access Card application process, which also includes a background check. Once this is completed the card will be issued. We are located at BUILDING #1520, room #125, freedman Drive, FT Detrick MD 21702. You will need to bring two (2) valid forms of ID (i.e., state issued driver's license, passport, etc.)

Please feel free to contact us at 301-619-6364 if you are interested in obtaining your Access Card, to make an appointment or just want your questions answered.

Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) Program
(301) 619-7453/2197

After hours, please dial (301-514-9544).

The Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) Program is for active-duty military, retirees, dependents, and/or intimate partner. It is designed to ensure that each person reported as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault is provided support.  DAVA’s provide non-clinical advocacy services and are on call 24 hours a day/7 day a week to provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and inform victims of their rights. They assist victims in creating safety plans, obtaining protective orders, securing medical treatment for injuries, and referrals to military and civilian resources. The DAVA serves as a liaison to the victim, ensures the victim has a safe and confidential way on seeking assistance; informs victims of their rights as military Family and service members, and assist in advocating on the victim’s behalf, while empowering the member to make informed and independent decisions to support their recovery process. Additionally, the DAVA Program provides annual training about domestic violence, and sexual assault to military units and commands.

For further information please contact the Fort Detrick DAVA at (301) 619-7453/2197. After hours, please dial (301-514-9544).

Supporting the employment and development of spouses ultimately contributes to improving quality of life and workforce readiness. One of the objectives of improving spouse employment is promoting the awareness and use of the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship to eligible military spouses. MyCAA is a workforce development program (through the Department of Defense (DoD) that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses. The scholarship assists military spouses in pursuing licenses, certifications or associate degrees necessary to gain employment in an occupation or career field." More information and resources can be found at: 

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/search/?s=Spouse+employment