What is the Ombudsman Program and who is it for?
The Ombudsman Program is a command-managed program, mandated by the Department of the Navy, and intended to improve communications between a commanding officer and the families of his/her Sailors. Navy Family Ombudsmen provide vital links to information and referral resources, and they advocate with the command on behalf of command family members. The definition of what constitutes the ‘Navy Family’ would be: the Navy Family is comprised of ALL active-duty and selected reserve Navy members, to include single and married service personnel, their spouses and children, the service member's parents, siblings, and others for whom they may bear sponsor responsibilities.
The Ombudsman is a volunteer, selected and appointed by the commanding officer, to serve as an information link between command leadership and Navy families. Ombudsmen are trained to disseminate information both up and down the chain of command, including official Department of the Navy and command information, command climate issues, local quality of life improvement opportunities, and "good deals" around the community.
Ombudsmen also provide resource referrals when needed. They are instrumental in resolving family issues before the issues require extensive command attention. The Command Ombudsman Program is shaped largely by the commanding officer's perceived needs of his/her command. The command ombudsman works directly under the guidance of the commanding officer, who will determine the priorities of the program, the roles and relationships of those involved in it, and the type and level of support it will both provide and receive.
How to Contact YOUR Ombudsman.
Follow the link below to the Navy Family Ombudsman Registry. Select Contact your Ombudsman > Navy Region Japan > NAF Atsugi > and then select your command. Once you fill out and submit the form, an email will be sent to your Ombudsman and you should receive a response.
http://www.ombudsmanregistry.org/?m=login
Are YOU Interested in becoming an Ombudsman?
Ombudsmen are selected and appointed by their commanding officer. Command ombudsmen are volunteers and must be spouses of services members currently serving within the command. Someone may apply for this position when the command advertises for volunteers or they may submit a request to be placed on a standby list of volunteers for future consideration when a position becomes available. Volunteers are screened, selected, and appointed by the commanding officer (CO). The CO may employ a board, which may include the command master chief (CMC), executive officer (XO), current ombudsman, and/or other command members, at his/her discretion, to assist them in the selection process. Upon being selected, Ombudsman must attend Ombudsman Basic Training to be certified into the program. Your FFSC coordinates periodic Ombudsman Basic Training opportunities and can tell you when the next class is scheduled to be held. Spouses who are interested in learning more about the Ombudsman Program may enroll in these courses to gain in- depth information on the program and its policies, assuming there is space available once all officially designated ombudsmen are enrolled. Please e-mail FFSC Ombudsman Coordinator for questions.
Your comment and feedback is always welcome.
