Commanding General's Family Readiness Statement 

Throughout the history of this noble country, in war and in peace, in battle and after, Marines have always taken care of their own. Now, our nation is engaged in what has been termed, “The Long War,” a war against a relentless foe, intent upon our destruction. This war will not end with victories in one or two theaters of operation. It will end when this implacable enemy, wherever found, is utterly defeated.

Now, more than ever, Marines must rely upon one another. Moreover, we recognize, and it is now official policy, that the Marine Corps is a family, consisting not only of officers and enlisted, but also of the parents, spouses, and children of Marines. As it was before, among Marines, this relationship between the Corps and its families is one of mutual caring and support. Through its new Family Readiness Program, the Marine Corps has embarked upon an endeavor to care for its families as never before, and never more has the Corps needed the support of its families.

Whether a Marine is fighting in the tip of the spear or is performing his duties in garrisoned support, it is vital that he remains focused on the mission and the task. Knowing that his family is fully and capably prepared for military life and for deployment, even multiple deployments, the Marine will be able to execute his mission to the fullest of his capabilities and training. This is why it is said that family readiness is as important to the mission as combat readiness.

While it is the duty of the individual Marine to assure that his family is ready for military life and for deployment, it is the duty and responsibility of every Commander, from MEF to Squadron, to see that the Marine is supported in those efforts. The Commander will assure that Family Readiness transitions to a wartime footing by implementing the Unit Personal and Family Readiness Program, as envisioned by the Commandant and as set forth in Marine Corps Order 1754.9.

The Family Readiness Command Team, consisting of the Commander, Executive Officer, Sergeant Major, Family Readiness Officer, Chaplain, and Family Readiness Advisor shall undergo the required training, and shall insure that subordinate commands are similarly trained. Commands shall employ competent and committed individuals, whether civilian or military, for the full-time position of Family Readiness Officer. The Command Team shall actively recruit and train qualified volunteers for the position of Family Readiness Assistant. The Family Readiness Command Team shall facilitate better communications between Command and families by implementing the Mass Communication Tool and by assuring instruction in its use. Finally, every Marine, officer and enlisted, in a position of leadership, must instill in all other Marines the absolute necessity for family readiness as a crucial component of mission readiness.

For information and for assistance in all Family Readiness matters, contact the 4th MAW Family Readiness Officer, Kevin Alan Galatas, at (504) 678-1214 or email him at kevin.galatas@usmc.mil.