Armed Forces Emergency Services FAQs

1. Has the Red Cross undertaken the AFES Modernization Plan to de-emphasize national and chapter service to military families?

2. Why can't the military provide for communication between members of the armed forces and their families, instead of the Red Cross?

3. Why doesn't ARC provide the same services for the public as if does to members of the armed forces?

4. What was the role of the American Red Cross during World War II?

5. What is the role of Red Cross workers with the military in time of conflict?

1. Has the Red Cross undertaken the AFES Modernization Plan to de-emphasize national and chapter service to military families?
   The Modernization of AFES is nearly complete and Red Cross services continue to be provided on all military installations around the globe. The service delivery process was changed to take advantage of advanced automation and telecommunication technology. AFES has worked hard to combine this "high tech" with the "high touch" clients and customers expect from the Red Cross. AFES Modernization has enhanced service delivery, increased efficiency and reduced operating costs.
   
   Furthermore, a new program to help chapters reach out to National Guard, Reserve, and other military personnel will soon be released. The number of guardsmen/reservists now exceed active duty military and they are being called to active duty in record numbers, more frequently and for longer periods of time. The families of these "citizen soldiers" need a place to turn for help when emergencies strike and the military member is deployed. Red Cross chapters are uniquely positioned to assist. Key chapters are helping to develop this new program entitled "Get To Know Us Before You Need Us" and are eager to begin delivery of this exciting new program.
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2. Why can't the military provide for communication between members of the armed forces and their families, instead of the Red Cross?
   Assisting the American people to communicate with their family members serving in the Armed Forces was a mandate from the U.S. Congress to the American Red Cross many years ago. The majority of family members needing this assistance live in civilian communities far removed from military installations and many do not know how to reach a family member stationed in the military. They can and do, however, call their local Red Cross chapter where workers are available around the clock to assist.
   
   Over 95% of the family emergencies requiring the presence of a military service member begin back home with the death/serious illness of a father, mother, grandparent or other close relative. Once the local Red Cross has verified all details relating to the emergency, information is sent to the service member stationed anywhere worldwide. The family may want this information shared with military commands that will decide if the service member will be granted emergency leave to come home. Commanders overseas and on ships at sea frequently require Red Cross verification before emergency leave is granted.
   
   Military leaders are the first to say they do not have the capacity to verify and validate family emergencies or to get in touch with families back home. They turn to the Red Cross for this information, which is frequently transmitted over the Department of Defense (DOD) communications systems from one Red Cross worker to another.
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3. Why doesn't ARC provide the same services for the public as if does to members of the armed forces?
   With the exception of emergency communication services, the Red Cross does provide the same services to both military and civilian populations.
   
   Military service is unique, frequently separating families for extended periods of time and often placing loved ones in harms way. Red Cross emergency communication services keep families in this unique situation connected when a problem develops back home.
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4. What was the role of the American Red Cross during World War II?

• Provided emergency communication between members of the armed forces and their families

• Recruited 104,456 registered nurses and certified them for the military

• Collected 13.4 million pints of blood for military patients

• Assembled and shipped nearly 28 million food and medicine parcels for U.S. and Allied prisoners of war

• Provided war relief supplies for 75 million civilians overseas

• Carried on extensive relief and rehabilitation programs for the civilian war victims

• Stockpiled plasma from the new Red Cross Blood Donor Service for the armed forces. Red Cross blood was used immediately at hospitals near the bombing of Pearl Harbor to save the first of many lives over the next four years

• Overseas, thousands of American Red Cross workers operated recreation clubs and clubmobiles in rest and recreation areas or provided compassionate services for the troops they accompanied

• Red Cross caseworkers and recreation staff were attached to military hospitals, hospital ships, and hospital trains

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5. What is the role of Red Cross workers with the military in time of conflict?
   The Red Cross mission is to keep the American people in touch with their family members serving in the armed forces. To accomplish this work, Red Cross workers frequently deploy on assignment with military forces to keep the communication link operational around the clock and around the globe. Other Red Cross services are made available to military personnel on an as needed basis just as they are in the civilian communities.
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