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Ombudsman Program


The CNIC Team would like to congratulate the 2023 Mrs. Sybil Stockdale Ombudsman of the Year Award winners!

Congratulations to:

  • Lauren LaGreca, Ombudsman for Commanding Officer, USS Milwaukee (LCS-5), selected from all sea commands under Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
  • Rosie Ortiz-Torres, Ombudsman for Commanding Officer, USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76) selected from all sea commands under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.
  • Martha Smith, Ombudsman for Commanding Officer, Defense Service Office (DSO) North selected from all naval shore activities in the Navy.
  • Polly Bozdech-Veater, Ombudsman for Commanding Officer, Navy Reserve Center Pittsburgh selected from all Reserve commands under Commander, Navy Reserve Force.

Thank you to all Command Ombudsmen who maintain the highest standards of professionalism and create a healthy sense of community by being positive role models for command members and their families!
 

Ombudsman Program Overview
An Ombudsman is an official representative of the Commanding Officer and plays a vital role in establishing and maintaining current and accurate communication between the command and its family members. This overview will explain the history of the program and discuss the roles of Ombudsmen.

Ombudsman On-Demand Orientation
The Ombudsman On-Demand Orientation is an online training that will provide a brief overview of Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT) to those who wish to learn more about the Ombudsman Program. This 60 minute online training discusses highlights of the full OBT training that will address those topics identified to be of high importance to the role of the command ombudsman. New ombudsmen who have not had a chance to complete training, command leadership, FFSC and RCC staff members and anyone else who wants to have a better understanding of the Ombudsman Program will benefit from this training. Please Note that completion of the Ombudsman On-Demand Orientation does not negate the need for ombudsmen to complete the full Ombudsman Basic Training course (OBT / eOBT) as required by OPNAVINST 1750.1H series.

Ombudsman-At-Large
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) may appoint two Ombudsmen-at-Large. Traditionally they have been the spouse of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) and another senior military spouse. The Ombudsmen-at-Large are tasked by the CNO to improve family readiness by advising him and the MCPON on matters affecting Sailors and their families.

As they travel throughout the Navy, they meet with Navy leadership, Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) staff, command family ombudsmen, family members and Sailors. They attend meetings and conferences to gain a better understanding of matters affecting our families and ombudsmen. When they travel, they often hold focus groups composed of ombudsmen and spouses to learn about current issues and concerns.

Mrs. Sybil Stockdale Ombudsman of the Year Award
The Office of the Chief of Naval Operations established the Mrs. Sybil Stockdale Ombudsman of the Year Award in 2015. Nominated by their commanding officers, these ombudsmen maintain the highest standards of professionalism and create a healthy sense of community by being positive role models for command members and their families.

Commander's Guide
The Commander's Guide provides command leadership guidance in managing their command Ombudsman Program. Information, support, forms and resources will help to ensure a robust and successful ombudsman experience.

Ombudsman Registry
The Ombudsman Registry is a vital tool for command leadership and ombudsmen, delivering real-time communication and information to commanders, ombudsmen and Ombudsman Coordinators. If you need help with the registry, here is the Ombudsman Registry Instruction Guide.

The "Contact Your Ombudsman" feature allows interested parties to send an email to the assigned ombudsman for any command listed in the Ombudsman Registry.

Ombudsman Program Training
Ombudsman training is thorough and continuous. It begins with ombudsman basic training that covers the Navy's Family Ombudsman Program and the skills needed to do the job. Ombudsmen maintain and increase their knowledge and skills by attending advanced training offered by Fleet and Family Support Centers and local Ombudsman Assemblies.

Ombudsman Coordinators and Trainers
Ombudsman Coordinators servers as an advisor/consultant to local ombudsmen, the local Ombudsmen Assembly and to installation commands.

Certified Ombudsman Trainers (COTs) exhibit an in-depth knowledge of the Ombudsman Program, necessary to provide Ombudsman Basic Training.

Ombudsman Program Resources
CNIC strives to meet the training needs that will keep the Navy’s ombudsmen and program support staff current and updated. As new material is created and current material is revised, it will be posted here for your use and convenience.

Ombudsman IA Support
Get resources on the ombudsman’s role in Individual Augmentee (IA) spouse and family support.

Navy Reserve Ombudsman
The Navy Reserve Force is often called upon in times of war or national emergency to provide mission-capable units and individuals to the Navy and Marine Corps. Navy Reserve Ombudsmen are fully trained to assist both activated and non-activated families.

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Ombudsman Program.

Updated January 26, 2024

 

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