Dear Families of the First Combat Engineer Batallion,

On behalf of myself and our Commanding Officer LtCol Niebel, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our family. My name is Shantel Torres and I am your Family Readiness Officer. My mission is to provide this battalion and the families all the support available to include:

-Official Communication
-Information and Referral Services
-Family Readiness and Deployment Support
-Website Maintenance

LtCol Niebel's vision for this program is based on the concept of a successful balance of career and personal life. Increased personal and family readiness leads to increased unit readiness, which supports our Marine Corps mission. Please know that our Command, myself, and our Family Readiness Volunteers are committed to this program and all of you to ensure a solid family foundation.

• FRO Welcome Binder
• Family Care Plan

Marine Corps Family Team Building (MCFTB) Resources

• Individual Deployment Guide
• Deployment Guide Book
• MCFTB Schedule

What is the Unit Family Readiness Program?

The Unit Family Readiness Program provides support to the individual Service Member and their family to successfully balance life, career and mission events. This support is provided through proactive outreach and intervention using Official Communication, Information and Referral and Readiness and deployment Support. This support is extend to the entire family unit and includes children, spouses, parents and other extended family members.

Who can participate?

Anyone and everyone is encouraged to participate. This can include parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, fiancées, children and more. If you are interested, we’d love to have you.

How can I help?

Family Readiness Advisor – These individuals work with the Family Readiness Command Team to provide feedback and suggestions. A Family Readiness Advisor embodies the commander’s goals and intents and helps assure that all unit members have a “voice”.

Family Readiness Assistant – These individuals work closely in support of the Family Readiness Command Team and the Family Readiness Officer by helping to execute the commander’s intent with regard to the Unit Family Readiness Program. They work closely in support of Service Members and their families and provide resources and referrals when necessary.

Morale Support Volunteers – Individuals who volunteer to participate in specific events. These volunteers assist with the planning, coordination and execution of the event.

Why the change?

Headquarters Marine Corps conducted a study that found our volunteers were overworked and overburdened. By having a civilian Family Readiness Officer (FRO), it removes a majority of the burden from the volunteers. This frees volunteers up to support and interact with the unit families and participate in the events they enjoy. The expanded roles also allow the volunteers to tailor their participation to what they enjoy. If you enjoy planning events, you can be a Morale Support Volunteer. If you would rather provide input and help shape the program, then the Family Readiness Advisor role is perfect for you. The goal is to provide our volunteers with more choices and less stress while maintaining that vital family contact.

Who do I contact to sign-up/ ask questions?

Contact the Family Readiness Officer for more details