Military Services Financial Literacy Programs

Program overview

It is widely understood within the Department of Defense and among congressional lawmakers that financial readiness is a key part of mission readiness of the total force. The legal basis for a military financial readiness program is found in Section 992 of Title 10, U.S. Code, which includes training, counseling and survey requirements. Please see the detailed summary of specific legal requirements.

The Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness, within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness, is the component lead responsible for implementation of Section 992 of Title 10, U.S. Code. Its mission is to lead the department’s financial readiness efforts to support a mission ready force through policy, programs and advocacy.

To accomplish its mission effectively, FINRED must communicate regularly and consistently with service members and their families, as well as with internal and external stakeholders who influence financial readiness and literacy. All communication from this office must be unbiased, accurate and timely. A detailed annual communication plan, which serves as a framework for the program’s communication and outreach efforts, is developed in order to insure these lofty requirements are met. The annual plan defines communication goals and objectives, identifies target audiences, lists key messages and prescribes effective outreach strategies that support FINRED’s mission.