What is the primary purpose of AER?

The primary purpose of Army Emergency Relief (AER) is to offer emergency financial assistance to soldiers and their families. This organization is specifically designed to provide aid in situations where soldiers face unexpected financial difficulties or emergencies that could impede their ability to fulfill their military duties or support their families. The assistance can cover various needs, such as housing costs, medical expenses, or other essential living expenses that arise unexpectedly.

While the other options may describe important resources or support available to military personnel, they do not encapsulate AER's main mission. For example, offering scholarships and providing career development resources are valuable services, but they are not the central focus of AER. Similarly, supporting military housing initiatives can be part of a broader military support system, but it does not reflect the critical, immediate, and specific assistance that AER provides in times of financial crisis.