TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01 - TRADOC - U.S. Army

TRADOC Pam 525-3-7-01demonstrate an understanding of Soldiers’ personal commitments and responsibilities, much asFamily Medical Leave Act functions in the civilian workplace. For example, flexibility couldallow a leader to take a sabbatical to care for aging parents and then permit him or her back intothe force in grade and stop the “clock” for promotion to remain competitive for promotion. Thisidea can also encompass breaks in active service to work in other civilian capacities such as withindustry or other government agencies. Soldiers can lend military experience to sectors outsidethe military, and, in turn, leaven the military should they return to active service in uniform.The continuum of service concept can also support the Army’s wounded warriors and takeadvantage of their, training, education, and leadership skills. The operations of the last few yearshave produced a group of severely wounded Soldiers who opt for continued military service.Some of these Soldiers have even been able to return to operational units with state of the artprosthetics. Those too disabled to return to operational units can contribute and should be able toreach the highest levels of the Army by serving in the generating force. Another possibility isserving as a civil servant before returning to uniformed status. Optionally, wounded warriorscould also advance through the civil service ranks to become senior Army civilian leaders. TheArmy should make routine what it has done in the past by exception in supporting and retainingon active duty leaders of exceptional potential. General Eric Shinseki (Ret.), General FrederickFranks (Ret.), and Brigadier General Stan Cherrie (Ret.) were all severely wounded in Viet Nam.All three and numerous others went on to make major contributions to the Army and the Nation.The Army cannot afford to overlook the potential of Soldiers who have given so much andattained the skills, leadership, and combat experience essential to the Army.7-5. The Army FamilyThe Army family has a major impact on combat readiness today and there is every reason tobelieve this impact will be just as critical in the future. Experience and extensive researchdemonstrate a synergy between the unit, the Soldier, and the family that can positively affectretention and commitment to the unit, the mission, and the Army. 164 The quality of the familylife and satisfaction with the Army affects the Soldier’s performance in the unit and successfulunits increase Soldier satisfaction contributing in turn to a healthy family life.Recognizing the importance of family support programs to sustaining an Army trained andready to meet the challenges of the future operating environment, The Secretary of the Army,Chief of Staff, and Sergeant Major of the Army recently introduced the Army Family Covenant(see fig 7-1). The covenant recognizes that the Soldiers strength comes in large measure from thestrength of their Families. The covenant represents the Army's commitment to providing Soldiersand families a quality of life commensurate with their voluntary service and daily sacrifices. The“Army Soldier-Family Action Plan” and “Army Medical Action Plan” codifies the means bywhich the Army will fulfill the covenant. The covenant also ensures the rehabilitation andreintegration of the Army’s wounded warriors back into society.158