Live from the IMCOM Booth at AUSA - Delivering the Promises of the Army Family Covenant: Communities and the Marketplace

Following the announcement of the Army Family Covenant in October 2007, the Army Community Covenant was the natural next step to formalize support from local communities across America. The program is designed to foster and sustain effective state and community partnerships with the Army to improve the quality of life for Soldiers and their Families, both at their current duty stations and as they transfer to other states. The Community Covenant is a formal commitment of support by state and local communities to Soldiers and Families of the Army – Active, Guard and Reserve.

“The impact of the Army Community Covenant is a crucial part of sustaining Soldier and Family relationships, by providing a quality of life commensurate with their service,” explained Brad Johnson, ACSIM.

Community Covenant signing ceremonies are a community’s public commitment to build partnerships that support the strength, resilience and readiness of Soldiers and their Families, and assist with implementation of the Army Family Covenant. Since the program’s inception in April 2008, there have been 339 signing ceremonies in 46 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia. Community Covenant signing ceremonies also raise awareness of the sacrifices of Soldiers and their Families and the need to support them before, during, and after deployments. New programs are announced at signing ceremonies when applicable.

A new Community Covenant Web site was launched in August 2009 which provides linkages between Soldiers and their Families, as well as community organizations, and needed programs and services. The Web site www.army.mil/community. The Web site also features a Facebook page which provides an opportunity for distributing information as well as gaining feedback from Soldiers and their Families.