Office of Work-Life Programs -
Ombudsman Program Overview
Why the word “Ombudsman?”
"Ombudsman" is a Swedish term dating back to the 1800’s. It means a person
who has an ear to the people. It is used world-wide to designate impartial,
confidential and independent offices that receive inquiries and concerns
from groups of people, and work to achieve fair solutions.
Many private companies, universities, non-profit organizations and
government agencies also have an ombudsman (or an ombuds office) to serve
internal employees, and managers and/or other constituencies. These
ombudsman roles are structured to function independently, by reporting to
the CEO or board of directors and do not serve any other role in the
organization. Since the 1960s, the profession has grown in the United
States, and Canada, particularly in corporations, universities and
government agencies.
The term ombudsman is used to communicate to the widest possible community
and is not intended to discourage others from using alternative forms of
this word, such as ombudsperson or ombuds. (Source: Wikipedia)
History
The Coast Guard’s philosophy of developing healthy self-reliant families is
epitomized through the Coast Guard Ombudsman Program. Admiral Gracey created
the Coast Guard Ombudsman Program in 1986 with the establishment of the
Coast Guard Family representative Program.
The Coast Guard Ombudsman Program is a Coast Guard wide program established
to serve as a link between commands and families that help to ensure Coast
Guard families have the information necessary to meet the challenges of a
military lifestyle. The ombudsman program assists commanding
officers/officers-in-charge (CO/OIC) to have a better understanding of the
welfare of the command/unit’s families and better prepare families to meet
emergency situations.
Ombudsman-at-Large
The Commandant will appoint, in writing, one or more ombudsmen-at-large to
represent all unit ombudsmen and report on active duty and reserve family
concerns. The ombudsman-at-large is responsible for advising the Commandant
on matters affecting Coast Guardsmen and their families. The
Ombudsmen-at-Large are tasked by the Commandant to improve family readiness
by advising him and the MCPOCG on matters affecting Coast Guardsmen and
their families. As they travel throughout the Coast Guard, they meet with
Coast Guard leadership, HSWL RP staff, ombudsmen, family members and Coast
Guardsmen. 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.
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References
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