WASHINGTON, D.C.--- DoD Using Technology to Improve Needed Services for Military Families
According to the head of a technology firm who works closely with DoD on military family issues, "The military's willingness to use new technology to address the needs of military families is revolutionizing the way it communicates with this critical constituency, which is vital for force readiness at an important time."
In the last month, military service members and their families have seen improved access to support services and information that can better address their unique quality of life needs amid multiple deployments and a high operations tempo.
DefenseWeb, a developer of software that serves military service members and their families, has played a key role in the recent DoD initiatives by designing Web systems that improve the capabilities of commanders and support staff to deliver critical services to Active, National Guard, and Reserve members from all military branches and their families.
A new study issued in March by the National Military Family Association (NMFA) found that families want better and more communications from the military and their loved ones before, during, and after deployment â€" communications which are critical to force readiness in wartime. According to DefenseWeb CEO Doug Burke, "This study, in addition to our outreach to military families, is helping us improve our services to the worldwide military community."
Already, critical infrastructure software is helping the military better communicate with families and maintain force readiness.
New solutions include:
Virtual Family Readiness Group (vFRG) to Connect Deployed Soldiers to Families
As part of the Army's effort to strengthen its communications to deployed Soldiers and their families, DefenseWeb developed the vFRG Web portal. vFRG takes traditional family readiness communications and moves them to an online environment in order to support the expeditionary force. This is improving the ability of Soldiers and families who are spread across the nation and the globe to access information from Army commanders and communicate with each other. As of this month, over 1000 Army units are signed up to participate.
Military OneSource (MOS) - A Revamped One-Stop Shop Web Portal for Easy Access to Services
The Military OneSource Web portal, which ties together all DoD Quality of Life and Well Being initiatives in a one-stop shop for information, assistance, and referral guidance, was re-launched in late-March by Ceridian with DefenseWeb's support to improve navigability and usage.
Army Chaplain's "Strong Bonds"Program Web Site for Guidance on Family Relationships
The Army Chaplain's "Strong Bonds" program, which provides guidance for couples, single Soldiers, and families in a seminar setting, is as vital as ever. DefenseWeb is working to make this unique program as effective and responsive to participants as possible by turning a cumbersome paper evaluation and registration process into a streamlined, electronic one. The new Web system will make it easier for Active, Reserve, and National Guard chaplains to get feedback from seminar participants and modify their programs accordingly, as well as efficiently handle registration for these important gatherings.
"Army Families Online"Web Site
· DefenseWeb continues to support the Army Well Being Liaison Office's "Army Families Online"Web site, which allows Soldiers and families to keep abreast of Army news, access information on handling deployments, and link to information on finding and utilizing support resources and services.
About DefenseWeb Technologies, Inc.
DefenseWeb Technologies, Inc. (http://www.defenseweb.com/home.aspx) provides customized enterprise software development services for Department of Defense (DoD) organizations. Founded in 1998, DefenseWeb delivers Enterprise Information Portals, Case Management Systems, Clinical Information Systems, Business Process Automation Systems, Training Systems and Decision Support Systems for DoD health care, quality of life and family support organizations. The company's core competencies enable it to provide and maintain complex, mission-critical solutions on time, within budget and beyond expectations.