Cover and Introduction
View the Battlebook IV Cover
Illistrated cover as shown above for Battlebook IV.

View the Introduction
Each year at the United States Army War College (USAWC), the spouses of the students are given the opportunity to participate in a class project. For the past several years, spouse committees have chosen to write handbooks regarding information pertinent to spouses and Family Members in the Armed Forces. Spouses from the USAWC Class of 2007 chose to update the Spouse's Battle Book, a compendium that was first written by spouses from the USAWC Class of 1998 and substantially rewritten by spouses from the USAWC Class of 2005. Now the spouses' of the class of AY2009 have continued the tradition and developed an update to the Spouse Battle Book.

Chapter 1 - Entering and Leaving a Unit and Leadership
(Battalion (BN) Level Used as the Model)
View Chapter One
(Updated 23 February 2009)
When your military husband or wife reaches the level where he or she is considered a "senior military leader," what does that mean for you, the spouse? In today's military it can mean different things. If you choose to participate in the role of a senior spouse, your role is strictly voluntary. Military spouses do not have specifically assigned duties or responsibilities; this can be both good and bad. There are no job descriptions, no contractual assigned duties, or legal responsibility. However, being married to someone in the military often comes with certain expectations resulting from the military spouse's duty position and rank. The role that you choose and the extent to which you choose to fulfill that role is up to you.

Chapter 2 - Chain of Command
Chapter Two
(Updated 23 February 2009)
The structure of the U.S. Army has recently undergone major changes. Some of the changes will look familiar while some will not. This part will describe the changes in context. There is no set size (number of troops) assigned to any specific echelon or level of organization in the U.S. Army. The size of a unit depends primarily upon the type of unit and mission. For example, an aviation company would have a different number of Soldiers assigned than an infantry company because it has a different mission, different equipment, and therefore different requirements.

Chapter 3 - The Family Readiness Group (FRG)
View Chapter Three
(Updated 23 February 2009)
As a spouse in a leadership position, you will likely participate with a unit FRG at some level, with varying degrees of involvement. The most circumscribed FRG action is at the Company level. The Battalion level FRG, with its steering committee, oversees the multiple Company FRGs, including the HHC (Headquarters) FRG, and likewise for the Brigade FRG, at the next higher level.

Chapter 4 - Legal Services
View Chapter Four
(Updated 23 February 2009)
In this section, we will cover some basic legal information to inform military family members about personal legal affairs and preventive law. The information here is not legal advice; for that you should consult an attorney. The best place to start is your installation Legal Assistance Office.

Chapter 5 - Group Dynamics and Communications
View Chapter Five
(Updated 23 February 2009)
This section was written with the battalion (BN) level in mind, and the pronoun "you" refers to spouse leadership at that level, most familiarly, the BN CDR's (Commander) spouse and/or to the BN FRG (Family Readiness Group) Leader. Whether the BN CDR's spouse or another unit Family Member is appointed to an FRG leadership position, the main points mentioned, regarding good communication, are pertinent to spouse leaders of various groups, especially unit FRG leaders, at all levels.

Chapter 6 - Deployment
View Chapter Six
(Updated 23 February 2009)
One of your most important duties as an FRG Leader is to ensure that spouses/Family Members are prepared should their Soldier deploy.

Chapter 7 - Trauma In The Unit / Coping With Casualties
View Chapter Seven
(Updated 23 February 2009)(Updated 23 February 2009)
One of the most difficult situations to deal with in any unit is trauma, whether the injury or death involves a Soldier or a Family member. Notification and official assistamce is not a function of the FRG, but the FRG can play a role in helping both individuals and the unit.

Chapter 8 - Army National Guard and Army Reserves
View Chapter Eight
(Updated 23 February 2009)
In the past few years, many changes have been made through the Army Reserve and National Guard Bureau to improve the resources and support available to the families of the Reserve Component.

Chapter 9 - Volunteers and Awards/Recogntions
View Chapter Nine
(Updated 23 February 2009)
Volunteering is a defining part of the American experience. From the Minutemen at Lexington to today's all volunteer force, the Army relies on the fundamental connection between volunteerism and citizenship.

Chapter 10 - Protocol, Customs, And Courtesies
View Chapter 10
(Updated 23 February 2009)
Why does the word "protocol" strike fear in the minds of even the most seasoned military spouses? It sends most of us running to our etiquette books. A wise military spouse learns the traditions and courtesies of military life.

Chapter 11 - Army Resources and Organizations
View Chapter 11
(Updated 23 February 2009)
ACRONYMS, AFAP, AFTB This chapter contains military acronyms, abbreviations, and terms commonly used across the military. While most acronyms and terms are prevalent mainly in the Army, the chapter also includes acronyms and terms used in the Air Force, Navy, and Marines. It also includes information about Army Family Action Plans (AFAP) and Army Family Team Building (AFTB).

Directory of Resources
Directory of Resources
(Updated 23 February 2009)
A directory of World Wide Web (Internet) resources offering a wide range of assistance to Military Families.