CNIC has updated the former Commander Leadership Toolkit, April 2018
Commanders and commanding officers execute the Ombudsman Program per Navy Family Ombudsman Program instruction OPNAVINST 1750.1G CH-2.
Effective management of the Ombudsman Program requires ongoing support, collaboration and communication with the command ombudsman. The ombudsman must have adequate equipment, materials, and assistance to carry out her/his defined responsibilities and be kept up-to-date on command issues of interest to families.
Once appointed, the ombudsman’s orientation begins with the commanding officer’s guidance. Orientation should include information about job duties, assignment of a command POC, reporting requirements and procedures, and guidance for working with the Command Support Team. The commanding officer should ensure that the ombudsman attends Ombudsman Basic Training.
The commanding officer has numerous responsibilities related to the Ombudsman Program. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Appointing an adequate number of ombudsmen,
- Determining the ombudsman’s specific roles and responsibilities,
- Providing the Ombudsman with a current Command Roster, including family member contact information.
- Assigning a command POC – usually the command master chief/chief of the boat or the executive officer – and determining which issues will be handled by the POC and which by the CO
- Managing the Ombudsman Program including funding, communication with the ombudsman, mandated reporting (Reportables), and ensuring that the program can be used effectively by command families,
- Attend the Ombudsman Assembly Meetings. Command leadership should attend with their ombudsman.
Ombudsman Program Commander's Guide
Ombudsman Program Manual
OPNAV 1750.1G Ch-2