ARMY RESERVE PERSONNEL PROGRAMS

Question 1:  Please provide an overview of the Army Reserve Sexual Harassment/Assault Response Prevention  (SHARP) program

Answer 1: Army Reserve SHARP Program reinforces the Army’s commitment to eliminate incidents of sexual assault and sexual harassment through a comprehensive policy that centers on awareness and prevention, training and education, victim advocacy, response, reporting, and accountability. (Reference: AR 600-20 paragraph 7-1).

Question 2: (Does this program apply to just military; or all DOD personnel, to include DOD contractors?

Answer 2: SHARP services are available to Army Reserve Soldiers, dependent family member (over 18 years), or Department of the Army Civilian as specified in DoDI 6495.02. Eligible personnel should contact their command SARC or VA to access services.

Question 3: What is Sexual Harassment and how does a Soldier file a complaint?

Answer 3: Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination that involves unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature between the same or opposite genders as specified in AR 600-20. The three methods for filing a sexual harassment are Anonymous, Informal or Formal complaints. Informal complaints are resolved informally while formal complaints are filed in writing IAW AR 600-20. (Reference: AR 600-20 page 105 7-8e.(1-3)).

Question 4: What is sexual assault and what are the reporting options?

Answer 4: In accordance with AR 600-20, Sexual assault is a crime defined as intentional sexual contact, characterized by use of force, physical threat or abuse of authority or when the victim does not or cannot consent. The reporting options for sexual assault are restricted and unrestricted reporting. Restricted reporting option gives the Soldier access to medical care, counseling, and victim advocacy, without initiating the investigative process. Unrestricted reporting unlike restricted reporting triggers an investigation. (Reference: AR 600-20 para 7-9).

Question 5: What resources are available to care for victims of sexual assault?

Answer 5: The Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline provides confidential crisis intervention, support and information to Service members of the DoD community who have been sexually assaulted. DoD Safe Helpline is available anytime, anywhere – 24 hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, worldwide at 877-995-5247. Other resources are the local Medical Treatment Facility; Military Police/Criminal Investigation Division; your Chain of Command, unit Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Victim Advocate, the chaplain, social services, family advocacy, and legal services. Contact your unit SHARP representative for a full list of resources.

Question 1: Please provide an overview of the Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)?

Answer 1: (ASAP POC) IAW AR 600-85, the ASAP is command program that emphasizes readiness and personal responsibility.  Its mission is to strength the overall fitness and effectiveness of the Army’s Total Work Force and enhance the combat readiness of its Soldiers.

Question 2: (G1) Who is eligible to receive services from the ASAP?

Answer 2: (ASAP POC) All Soldiers – AC, AGR, and TPU – DoD Civilians, retirees and their Tricare-recipient and/or DOD eligible family members.  To access services, a Soldier, DoD civilian and/or Family member should contact his/her supporting command or installation ASAP office.

Question 3: (G1) What are some of the services that the ASAP offer?

Answer 3: (ASAP POC) The services that the ASAP offer are: 1) Education/Training, such as Substance Abuse Prevention briefs, Unit Prevention Leader (UPL) Courses 2) Deterrence: oversight of alcohol and drug testing for the commanders, 3) Risk Reduction: conducting Unit Risk Inventories (command climate surveys) and Commander’s Risk Reduction Dashboard, 4) Identification and Referral: assist commanders with referring Soldiers for an substance abuse evaluation and/or treatment, and Employee Assistance for DOD Civilians.

Question 4: (G1) Can Soldier with possible substance abuse problem self-identify (or self-refer)?

Answer 4: (ASAP POC) Yes, and this is the preferred method of referral because it’s non-punitive and nature.  The Soldier should contact someone in his/her chain of command to  the process, and an ASAP representative will assist the commander/Soldier with access substance abuse care via TRICARE, Veteran Affairs (VA) or any state licensed treatment facility.

Question 5: (G1) What is the one thing that every commander should know about substance abuse prevention?

Answer 5: (ASAP POC) To immediately establish his/her substance abuse command prevention policies, to include  monthly drug testing, and enforce it.  Meaning conducting monthly Inspection Random drug testing and refer any Soldier, regardless of rank, who has a substance abuse incident – DWI, domestic violence, a fight, continued lateness for work, etc.

Question 1:  (G1) Please provide an overview of the Army Reserve Retirement Services program

Answer 1:  (RSO POC) The Retirement Services program is designed to assist Soldiers and their Families in their transition to retirement and to keep them updated on their benefits and entitlements after retirement. A primary element of retirement services is proper and timely counseling on the career status bonus (CSB), Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) and Reserve Component SBP (RCSBP).

Question 2:  (G1) When should retirement planning begin?

Answer 2:  (RSO POC) Retirement is a process, not an event. Retirement planning should start at the beginning of your career. Service members are also highly encouraged to seek advice from a personal financial counselor (PFC).

Question 3:  (G1) When should Soldiers attend a pre-retirement briefing?

Answer 3:  (RSO POC) Soldiers and Family members between the 18th and 20th year of service are mandated to attend a pre-retirement briefing.  Pre-retirement briefings are conducted worldwide by the Army Reserve Retirement Services Officers and may be scheduled through the Soldier for Life or Army Reserve website.

Question 4:  (G1) What action should be taken once a Soldier receives a 15 year or 20 year Notification of Eligibility for Retired Pay at Age 60?

Answer 4:  (RSO POC) Soldiers must seek counseling from a Retirement Services Officer and make an RCSBP election.  If no election is made within 90 days of receiving a 15 year or 20 year Notification of Eligibility, a qualified Reserve component member who is married will automatically be enrolled in the RCSBP under Option C, spouse and child(ren) coverage based on Full Retired Pay, UNLESS spouse concurrence is provided and notarized to allow another election.

Question 5:  (G1) Where can Service Members and Family Members go for more information on Retirement Services?

Answer 5:  (RSO POC) There is a worldwide network of Retirement Services Officers (RSO) that can assist with locating a PFC, retirement counseling, pre/post retirement briefings, RCSBP/SBP counseling and more. To locate the nearest RSO, visit https://www.usar.army.mil/Retirement/.

Question 1:  What is the USAR Military Funeral Program?

Answer 1: “To Honor Those Who Served,” by providing our Fallen Soldiers, retirees, and eligible veterans distinguished military funeral honors, with total respect and in the highest professional manner. DoDI 1300.15.

Question 2: Can any Soldier volunteer to participate in the Military Funeral Honors program?

Answer 2: Commanders should consider all USAR and IMA Soldiers in good standing without a flagging action as volunteers to participate in the military funeral honors program.

Question 3: How much will a Soldier get paid?

Answer 3: USAR TPU and IMA Soldiers will get equivalent payment of one active duty day and all military funeral honor duty is counted toward retirement and is not subject to the Inactive for Duty Training (IDT) limit.  Soldiers performing military funeral honors must submit a DA Form 1380 to their Army Reserve Administrator with the information on the military funeral honors performed to receive payment.  Mileage on a local voucher may be authorized for traveling outside of normal commuting distance.

Question 4: Can I use Military Funeral Honors for Rescheduled Training (RST)?

Answer 4: No; Military Funeral Honors cannot be used for RST.

Question 5:  What uniform will a Soldier need to participate in Military Funeral Honors?

Answer 5:  Soldiers are required to wear the Class “A” uniform with ribbons and badges, whites gloves and appropriate hear gear.  Soldiers are responsible for care and cleaning of their uniform and obtaining their own whites gloves.

All Soldiers are encouraged to contact their Readiness Division Casualty Operations Branch for more information to participate in this total force mission.

Question 1: Please provide an overview of the U.S. Army Reserve Suicide Prevention program

Answer 1: The Army Reserve Suicide Prevention Program (ARSPP) operates under Four Pillars for suicide prevention; Educate the entire force, Reduce Stigma, Provide Resources, and Involve Families.  The goal of ARSPP is to reduce suicidal behavior among our Soldiers, Civilians and Family members. We want to ensure that help-seeking behavior is encouraged and accepted as a sign of individual strength, courage and maturity. (Reference: AR 600-63)

Question 2: Does this program apply to just military; or all DOD personnel, to include DOD contractors?

Answer 2: ARSPP training is available to any Army Reserve Soldier, Family member, Department of the Army Civilian, and contractors (Reference: AR 600-63 Paragraph 1-32cc)

Question 3: What are some Suicide Mitigation Strategies?

Answer 3:

• Mandate personal contact with Soldiers and Family members between Battle Assemblies, i.e. phone calls, face book, text messages, twitter, etc.
• Increase training opportunities and avenues to disseminate information to Family members regarding warning signs and contact numbers for assistance.   
• Train unit personnel on Ask, Care, and Escort (ACE) Intervention Skills.   
• Emphasize focusing attention on that “newly” assigned Soldier; make sure the transition is positive.
• Promote/advertise local resources, i.e., Chaplains, Behavioral Health providers, off-post community services, churches, medical centers, crisis centers, etc.

Question 4: What resources are available?

Answer 4:  

• Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
• Military One Source at 800-342-9647 or go to Army OneSource at www.armyfamilywebportal.com for help.
• Behavioral Health Support – USARC 910-570-8108 or 910-570-9964.
• Directors of Psychological Health (at each RSC Surgeon’s office).
• Chaplain.
• Suicide Prevention Program Manager (at each Geographic and Functional Command, G1).

Question 1:  Describe your respective program and impact to the Army Reserve

Answer 1: The United States Army Reserve (USAR) education programs are established to permit enlisted, officers, and their Family members the opportunity to study and receive instruction to increase their military efficiency.  Education Services directly impacts Soldiers personal and professional readiness, by enhancing job performance, skill qualifications and career growth. 

Question 2:  Describe your program eligibility requirements

Answer 2:  (Reference Army Regulation 621-202 Army Educational Incentives and Entitlements)

• Soldier must contractually obligate himself or herself to serve satisfactorily.
• Soldier can not transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve, or Retired Reserve.
• Soldier must serve their full term of the contractual agreement.
• MOS must be eligible for the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) under the most current Selected Reserve Incentive Program (SRIP).
• Must complete MOS training in which contracted for.
• Enlisted Soldiers who wish to commission as an officer must have a new Department of the Army Form 5261-4 created on the day of commissioning.
• Has participated satisfactorily for 1 year in the USAR, the loan must be at least one (1) year old on the Soldier’s anniversary date before payment is made.

Question 3:  What are overarching program benefits and opportunities available? 

Answer 3:  Soldiers may be eligible for a Student Loan Repayments Program (SLRP) up to $50K; Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits with the opportunity to transfer incentive to dependents (4 year service commitment / obligation).

Question 4: How can Soldier access program services?

Answer 4:  

• To transfer Post 9/11 GI Bill transfer of benefits WEBSITE https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/.
• Army Reserve Career counselor.
• Student Loan Repayment Program contact Ms. Sabrina Giraldo at sabrina.l.giraldo.civ@army.mil. 

Question 5:  How can Soldiers access more information concerning the program?

Answer 5: To access additional information go to the U.S Army Reserve website at https://www.usar.army.mil/Educational-Benefits/.

Question 1: What is the mission of the Ready and Resiliency (R2) Program?

Answer 1: Our mission is to provide Ready and Resilient capabilities to Commanders and leaders to enable them to support Army Reserve Soldiers, their Families and Civilian employees with programs that improve and sustain overall personal readiness and optimize human performance in environments of uncertainty and persistent danger. In other words, we aim to strengthen the force by connecting Soldiers, Families, and Civilian employees with services and support through resiliency program initiatives by working closely with other AR programs and directorates such as Yellow Ribbon, Family Programs, SHARP, Suicide Prevention, Alcohol Substance Abuse Program, Chaplain, Safety, the Surgeons Office, and the Deployment Health Assessment Program.

Question 2: What is the Commander’s Ready and Resilient Council (CR2C)

Answer 2: The CR2C is a council for Senior Leadership, attended by the Senior Commander, Command Sergeant’s Major, and Senior Command Teams in order to integrate capabilities, programs and activities to enhance personal readiness, resilience and performance across the command for our Soldiers, Family Members, and DA civilians.  It simultaneously functions as a forum for the CG’s Senior Commanders and Army Reserve Headquarters-Fort Bragg/Army Reserve Staff-Fort Belvoir staff to identify and set priorities for health promotion and well-being programs.

Question 3: What are R2 Performance Centers?

Answer 3: R2 performance centers provide customized performance training that enables Soldiers to sustain personal readiness, enhance resilience, optimize human performance, and build unit cohesion.  They are most known for the Master Resilient Trainer Course however they provide other services such as Academic Performance Training, APFT Enhancement Training, and ENGAGE Skills Training.  There are 26 performance centers Army-wide available to all Soldiers, as well as family members and Department of the Army Civilians, with the Camp Parks, CA location specifically for the Army Reserves.  If your unit is fortunate enough to be on a military installation you can utilize a local performance center.  

Question 1:  What is the mission of the Health Services Branch?

Answer 1:  Health Services Branch (HSB) supports the USARC G1 Service and Support Division by performing core functions in support of the wounded, ill, injured (WII) and medically not ready (MNR) Soldiers in the USAR.  HSB executes OCAR / DA G-1 policy, in coordination with Readiness Divisions (RDs), Geographical/Functional Commands (GFCs), and supports various internal and external stakeholders with data, education, and training with the purpose of facilitating access to care for USAR Soldiers and expediting medical readiness determinations, in order to increase readiness and availability of USAR manpower.

Question 2:  What is a Line of Duty (LOD-formal and informal)?

Answer 2:  A LOD is a determination to establish potential healthcare and compensation entitlements for Reserve Component Soldiers who incur or aggravate an injury or illness while in active duty status for 30 days or less, in accordance to AR 600-8-4. LODs are not automatic and the SM must request and meet all eligibility criteria for receipt of benefit or entitlement. An approved LOD is required to apply for Incapacitation Pay.

Question 3:  What is Incapacitation Pay (INCAP)?

Answer 3:   INCAP is compensation a Service Member may be ENTITLED to receive if they are physically disabled due to injury, illness or disease INCURRED or AGGRAVATED in the LINE OF DUTY  which renders a Soldier unable to perform their military duties AND/OR demonstrate a loss of earned nonmilitary (civilian) income.

Question 4:  What resources are available to care for Service Member (SM)?

Answer 4:  SM will need to work hand-in-hand with their Unit Administrators and S1 to ensure all required documents are filled out properly and to provide the necessary documents in order to avoid delays with the adjudication.  SMs who came back from mobilization or deployment should seek medical care directly from the VA for medical issues related to their mobilization.