Ombudsman Program

Appointed directly by and working under the guidance of the Commanding Officer, the Navy Family Ombudsman is a trained volunteer who serves as a vital communication link. Ombudsmen ensure that families remain informed, connected, and supported through a direct line to command leadership.

By proactively sharing official information and addressing quality-of-life concerns, Ombudsmen resolve family issues before they escalate, directly supporting both family and fleet readiness.

How do Ombudsmen offer Support?

• Two-Way Communication
  Disseminates official command and Department of the Navy updates down to families, while keeping command leadership informed of family and command climate issues.
• Resource & Referral
  Connects families with local quality-of-life programs, military resources, and community support networks to solve personal or logistical challenges.
• Problem Resolution
  Offers guidance and resources that empower families to resolve issues independently, keeping them strong and self-reliant.
• Command Connection
  Serves as a trusted, confidential resource operating under the direct authority of the Commanding Officer.

Ombudsman Basic Training

Fleet & Family Support Centers (FFSC) regularly offer Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT) to prepare appointed volunteers and command representatives for their vital roles. This comprehensive, 16.5-hour course is designed to build confidence, establish clear boundaries, and equip attendees with the essential skills needed to serve Navy families effectively.

Topics Covered:

• Program Foundation & Ethics
• Resources & Referrals
• Crisis & Disaster Response
• Deployments & Mobilizations

OBT is designed for newly appointed Ombudsmen, who are required to complete this training within six months of their appointment, as well as experienced Ombudsmen looking for a refresher, and to recertify.

Additionally, Command Support Team members are highly encouraged to attend to gain a deeper understanding of how to best utilize and support their command's Ombudsman program.

Classes are flexibly offered during the day, evening, and on weekends to accommodate diverse schedules.

Contact your local Fleet & Family Support Program Ombudsman Coordinator for information at 360-396-5464 for more details.

Family Readiness Groups (FRG)

Established as a command-supported, non-federal entity (NFE), the Family Readiness Group (FRG) is a volunteer-led organization designed to build a strong sense of community. The FRG brings service members, spouses, and extended families together to foster mutual support, share informal information, and boost morale.

By keeping families actively connected and engaged, the FRG plays a critical role in strengthening resilience and helping Navy families thrive during all phases of military life, including deployments.

How do FRGs offer Support?

• Community & Connection
  Creates a welcoming network of peers who share the unique experiences of Navy life, helping new and seasoned families feel connected.
• Social & Morale Events
  Plans and hosts informal gatherings, holiday parties, command social events, and homecoming celebrations to boost command morale.
• Deployment Readiness
  Keeps families engaged and supported before, during, and after deployments with peer-to-peer encouragement and informal updates.
• Independent Leadership
  Operated by a dedicated board of elected volunteers (such as a President and Treasurer) who work under official bylaws to support the command.

Fleet & Family offers workshops on establishing an FRG and board leadership, including attracting and motivating FRG members, fundraising policies, event planning, and emergency response.

Family Readiness Group Training

FRG training provides volunteers and command representatives with the vital knowledge, structural tools, and policy guidelines necessary to establish and operate a highly effective FRG. This course empowers participants to build a supportive network that successfully assists Navy families before, during, and after deployment.

Please note: This is a comprehensive multi-session course, and participants must attend all three days to receive their class completion certificate.

Topics Covered:

• FRG Foundations & Membership
• Financials & Fundraising
• Event Planning & Socials
• Operation Preparedness

FRG Training is designed for newly elected FRG officers (Presidents, Vice Presidents, Treasurers, and Secretaries), command family readiness liaisons, and any command members or spouses interested in establishing or revitalizing their command’s FRG program.

For more information or to request training, please call 360-396-4115.