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AFTB Basket Bingo!

NEW! Register for classes online!

You can also register for AFTB class
by calling (915) 568-2382(AFTB) or you
can register at Army Community Service, Bldg. 2494, Ricker Rd. 
Click here to contact us  

AFTBAFTB is an educational program which provides training that prepares everyone in America's Army to function at the highest level, given any situation. The training improves personal and family preparedness, which enhances overall Army readiness. AFTB is a series of classes for (and taught by) military spouses and soldiers designed to give you the tools to survive in the military lifestyle.  Learn about community resources, military terms, benefits, leadership skills and more.

AFTB has something for you....

Living within the Army culture can be as challenging as it is rewarding.  AFTB will help you feel comfortable in your military environment by learning the military lingo, develop realistic expectations, learn about your benefits and access services available to you as a member of the Army family. AFTB can help you “Learn” Army… meet others who know exactly how you feel… and help find your comfort zone… but… YOU have to take the first step!

 

“Learn” Army: Transitioning into the Army lifestyle is an important step and we all enter with some concerns:

  • Can I adjust to this new environment?

  • Is the Army culture really different from civilian life?

  • How will my life change and how will I adjust?

  • Will I meet others who feel like I do?

  • Where can I find the resources and services that I need?

 
AFTB can help you “grow” personal skills that will make you an asset to any organization such as your Family Readiness Group, the Parent Teacher Association, your religious organizations and many other volunteer groups within your community. Taking the time to develop and grow individually will benefit you in all environments, not just the Army… but… YOU have to seek the opportunity!

     "Grow” Personal Skills: Personal growth happens throughout your life.  As a member of the Army family, you can:

  • Continue to develop your personal skills

  • Manage the stress of deployment and your personal time

  • Learn to make better decisions

  • Learn to communicate better

  • Learn how to get out into the community and get involved

AFTB will help you become a self-confident leader who possesses the attributes and traits that others admire and will provide you with an opportunity to give back to your community as a leader, a volunteer, a coach and a mentor … but… YOU have to get involved!       

      “Lead” Others:  Did you know that you lead others every day without even being aware of it?    Have you ever wondered how to:

  • Develop the positive attributes you see in people you admire

  • Effectively lead a group and motivate project teams

  • Find out what makes you “tick” and operate the way you do

  • Identify your strengths and areas needing improvement

  • Share your experiences

  • Continue to grow professionally

ACS Annex open on East Fort Bliss

Army Community Service now has two locations to better serve you: the main post location and a new annex on East Fort Bliss!

If you're out east, save time and gas by visiting the East Bliss annex at Bldg. A-479 Kasserine Rd., located between Saber and Thunderhorse roads. All ACS services are available at this location. Take advantage of full-service programs from Information and Referral, Financial Readiness, Mobilization and Deployment, Relocation Assistance, Exceptional Family Member Program and the lending closet. Limited services are offered by the Employment Readiness Program, Army Family Action Plan, Family Advocacy Program, Army Volunteer Corps, Army Family Team Building and Army Emergency Relief (located in A-478). If utilizing any of these services, call the main post ACS, Bldg. 2494 Ricker Road, determine which office can best serve you.

For more information, call the ACS East Bliss annex at (915) 744-1435 or the main post ACS at (915) 569-4ACS (4227).

 

 

Level 2  (13 HOURS OF INSTRUCTION)

Level 2 courses provide personal development and encourage emerging leadership from within the Army community, as well as learning how to cope with challenging situations. Classes include:

  • Enhancing Relationship Building

  • Introduction to Effective Leadership

  • Volunteer Management/Marketing Volunteer Experience

  • Communication

  • Conflict Management

  • Understanding Needs

  • Crisis and Coping

  • Group Dynamics

  • Adapting to Change

  • Stress Management

  • Intermediate Problem Solving

  • Time Management

  • Meeting Management

  • Networking with Community Agencies

  • Building a Resource Library

  • Military Grade and Command Structure

  • Benefits, Entitlements, and Compensation

Level 3  (15 HOURS OF INSTRUCTION)

Level 3 courses offer training to enhance the professional growth and leadership development opportunities of family members, especially those who might assume advisory and mentoring roles within the unit and community. Classes include:

  • Listening Skills

  • Building Self-Esteem

  • Personality Traits

  • Motivating Factors

  • Leadership Skills

  • Building a Cohesive Team

  • Leader Roles

  • Group Conflict Management

  • Problem Solving Techniques for Leaders

  • How to Develop a Presentation

  • How to Plan and Conduct a Workshop

  • Understanding the Organization of the Army

  • Political Issues and the Army

  • Effective Public/Media Relations

Level 1 (10 HOURS OF INSTRUCTION)

Updated for 2005, Level 1 courses are targeted toward those new to the Army or interested in updating personal skills or basic knowledge of the Army. Classes include:

  • Expectations and Impact of the Mission on Family Life

  • Military Acronyms and Terms

  • The Chain of Command

  • Introduction to Military Customs and Courtesies

  • Basic Military Benefits and Entitlements

  • Introduction to Military and Civilian Community Resources

  • Introduction to Family Readiness Groups

  • Supporting Your Child and Education

  • Introductions to Family Financial Readiness

  • Basic Problem Solving

 

 

What can AFTB do for me?

The most important thing AFTB can do is to prepare soldiers and family members for life in the military.  By educating the family member, he/she is able to survive all that the military life-style can throw at them.  AFTB promotes self-reliant military families which reduces soldier stress and increases mission readiness. 

 

As a Commander, First Sergeant, or Family Readiness Group Leader, what can I do for AFTB?

The key to any great program is the people who participate in it. The single most important thing you can do for the AFTB Program is encourage attendance:

 

Keep soldiers and family members current on class schedules.  Use flyers, the unit newsletter and word of mouth to promote attendance. (The AFTB Office will provide flyers upon request.)

 

Ask an AFTB volunteer to come to an FRG meeting to brief the unit about AFTB

 

Coordinate Level I training for your unit (Training is available at the AFTB classroom or offsite.)

 

Take an AFTB Level yourself  - AFTB training has a lot to offer at all levels of experience.

Talk positively about the program

 

I've been an Army spouse for over 10 years. I don't really need AFTB training, do I?

We highly recommend taking Level 1 no matter how many years as a military spouse you have.  Think of all the experience and knowledge that you have to share with the other students in the class as well as having the ability to explain Level 1 to those you are encouraging to attend.  AFTB Levels II and III are specifically designed with your experience in mind.  Level II focuses on leadership training.  These classes build on your experience and equip you to lead family members and volunteers within your unit and other organizations. Level III assists your transition from leader to mentor/advisor.   

 

Do I have to take the classes in order? 

No. While we encourage you to take each level in order that you may better understand the next level, you may take the levels according to your interest and schedule.