Military Spouse and Family Programs (MSFP)

The Military Spouse and Family Studies Program strives to prepare senior leader spouses and families for sustained service and continued contribution as force multipliers by offering assessment-informed, tailored academic and professional development programs that meet the needs of the learner, the service member, the family and the communities and organizations in which the whole family serves. To accomplish this objective, the MSFP presents a series of lectures, seminars, and workshops throughout the academic year.

These educational and developmental offerings are open to all resident and non-resident USAWC students and spouses, as well as the spouses of permanent party faculty and staff. Whenever possible, events will be offered virtually and/or recorded to support geographically separated families, families of USAWC Fellows and those participating in the Blended Education Program (BEP), and the families of those enrolled in the Distance Education Program.

Note that MSFP offerings are subject to change based on the USAWC academic calendar. Please check back often to confirm scheduled events and their dates, times, and locations.

 

• Lunch and Learn Family Series - A series of noontime lectures for students and spouses on topic related to family life, such as: Setting Family Goals Together, Personal and Family Cybersecurity, Financing College, Caring for Aging Parents, and Military Child Well-Being.
 
• Facilitating Leadership and Group Skills (FLAGS) -
  • FLAGS Facilitator Training
    Facilitating, Leadership and Group Skills (FLAGS) facilitators will learn how to help groups and teams work together, reach decisions, and accomplish goals.
    FLAGS facilitators will participate in a four-day facilitator training session to learn facilitation principles, methods and tools. Learning methodologies include self-assessment instruments, classroom discussion, and small group activities. At the conclusion of the facilitator training, facilitators will prepare to facilitate the FLAGS workshop to groups of their peers.
    Those interested in becoming FLAGS facilitators should contact Lauren O'Donnell, Professor of Military Spouse and Family Studies, at (717) 245-3763 or lauren.o'donnell@armywarcollege.edu. Depending on the number of people interested, a FLAGS facilitator application and interview process may be required.
    Proficiency in conversational English required. Application and interview may be required.
    
  
  
  • Facilitating Leadership and Group Skills (FLAGS) Workshop
    FLAGS workshop participants will engage in activities to increase self-awareness and improve group, team, and leadership skills. FLAGS explores the important concepts of effective communication, decision-making, leadership, conflict management, and stress. Upon completion of FLAGS, participants can expect to gain competence and confidence in working with and leading others.

 
• Executive Leader Development Course - Spouse (ELDC-S) - ELDC-S is a rigorous academic program for those interested in further developing their leadership skills. Topics include, but are not limited to: data literacy and data storytelling, mapping a communication strategy, public speaking, negotiations, and influence. ELDC-S meets once per month and includes classwork, assigned reading, discussion groups, and journaling.
 
• Spouse Reading Program - The USAWC Spouse Reading Program, or "Peggy's Book Club," [named in honor of Mrs. Peg Kelly, an extraordinary Army Spouse] compliments the Commandant's Reading Program for Students. Books are selected by the Commandant's spouse and provided to spouses interested in participating in the Reading Program. Twice per year, spouses meet, generally at Quarters 1, to discuss the books. All efforts are made to bring the book authors to the USAWC to lead the book discussions.
 
• Senior Spouse Leadership Seminar (SSLS) - The Senior Spouse Leadership Seminar is a week-long, interactive seminar providing professional education and development around themes of strategic thinking, leadership, and connection. Attendees will actively engage with each other and subject matter experts from the Department of Defense, academia, and business to leave the USAWC better prepared for continued service at the strategic level alongside their servicemembers or government leaders.