It is important that command leadership has access to up-to-date information on military issues and resources relevant to ombudsmen and the Navy Family Ombudsman Program.
This section contains lists of relevant resources with website addresses, as well as a brochure on the Ombudsman Program that can be printed and distributed.
Resources
Benjamin Disraeli, the former prime minister of Great Britain, stated, “As a general rule the most successful man in life is the man who has the best information.” It is important that, as commanding officer, you have access to up-to-date information on military issues and resources relevant to ombudsmen and the Navy Family Ombudsman Program.
Resource information is available through the government, the military, commercial, and nonprofit organizations and publications. These resources can be used to obtain information, solve problems, recommend referrals and enhance one’s learning and knowledge.
The command and ombudsmen should be aware of commonly used DoD / Navy, community and local resources. Ombudsmen frequently provide information and referral to individuals and families. Resources are vital to the success of the Ombudsman Program, and ombudsmen must be aware of resources to assist Sailors and their families. As part of Ombudsman Basic Training, ombudsmen are trained on information and referral and learn about frequently used military and civilian resources.
The commonly-used resources and links listed below do not reflect an endorsement by the DoD or Department of the Navy of the organizations, their products or services.
American Red Cross - Services provided to military members and their families including emergency communications, financial assistance and disaster preparedness.
Canada Volunteerism Initiative - information on volunteer management, recognition, etc.
Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) - Supporting command to the warfighters and their families.
Document Automation and Production Service (DAPS) - Full portfolio of document services including assistance with ombudsman newsletters.
DoD Issuances and Directives - Links to all DoD directives and instructions.
Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center - ECRC’s Individual Augmentee (IA) Family Readiness Department (N9) serves as a direct information conduit for ombudsmen in all matters relating to IA Family Readiness, including resource and referral services to DoD, National, Regional and NGO IA Family Support resources at
Ecrc.fs.fct@navy.mil and 1-877-364-4302 (Toll Free 24-7 Careline).
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) - Guide to provide the public with the most current and up-to-date disaster preparedness information available.
Military OneSource - Comprehensive source to help service members and their families with life’s challenges.
Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) - Manages and monitors the recovery process for personnel and their families affected and/or scattered by a wide-spread catastrophic event.
Navy Family Ombudsman Program Manual
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society - Private, non-profit organization that provides educational and financial assistance, including emergency loans and grants, to Navy and Marine Corps families.
National Military Family Association - Information and resources including articles and links for military families concerning their rights, benefits, and services available to them.
Naval Services FamilyLine - Provides information and resources for Navy families. Publications in the Guideline Series include booklets for command leadership spouses, IA spouses and Reserve families, as well as information on emergency preparedness, including a Family Emergency Plan.
Navy Knowledge Online - A one-stop knowledge location for Navy education, training and professional growth management for Sailors and their families.
Navy Privacy Act Online - Detailed information on the Privacy Act.
Navy Reserve - Information for Reserves including how to contact their ombudsman.
Ombudsman and Command Roster Utilization
Ombudsman and Family Readiness Group Brochure (color and / or black and white PDF files)- Ombudsmen and Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) provide support to command families. The Ombudsmen and FRG Brochure is a quick reference for command leadership or anyone who wants to understand the differences in roles and responsibilities of each entity. This document can be shared electronically or printed for distribution.
Ready Navy - CNIC emergency preparedness information.
Reserve Affairs - Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense; information on all matters which involve the Reserve, including family support/readiness issues.
United States Fleet Forces (USFF) IA Web site - Navy’s authoritative source for everything IA.
OCONUS Resources
OCONUS or isolated locations may lack a support infrastructure. Services may not be available or accessible, and resources in the needed language may also not be available. Even if local resources are available, the language barrier can prevent individuals from seeking services in the community.
An OCONUS ombudsman should work closely with the local FFSC ombudsman coordinator to identify and foster resources that will enhance her/his ability to assist families.
Ombudsman Program Brocure
The Ombudsman Program brochure is designed as a general marketing and information tool and resource. It may be made available to Sailors, family members and others interested in the basics of the Ombudsman Program. It should be included in materials given to a new ombudsman.