DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY COMMANDER NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND 1575 GATOR BLVD, SUITE 150 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23459-3024 COMMANDER NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND PACIFIC 258 MAKALAPA DR, BLDG 396A PEARL HARBOR, HI 96860-3121 COMNECC/COMNECCPAC INSTRUCTION 1754.1C COMNECC/COMNECCPACINST 1754.1C N01F From: Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific Subj: FAMILY READINESS PROGRAM Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 1750.1G (b) OPNAVINST 1754.5B (c) OPNAVINST 1740.3C (d) DODI 1342.28 (e) CNRFC 1342.1A (f) COMNECCINST 1738.1 (g) COMNECCINST 5040.2A (h) OPNAVINST 3006.1 (i) NECC Family Readiness Program Quick Reference Guide Encl: (1) Family Readiness Program s Assessment Program Compliance Metrics (2) Integrated Fleet Readiness Training Plan Template (3) Family Readiness Officer s Responsibilities 1. Purpose. This instruction establishes policy and assigns responsibility for the standardized implementation of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force (NECF) Family Readiness Program (FRP) to ensure each command, regardless of deployment status or operational tempo, maintains optimum personal and family readiness thereby enhancing each command s operational readiness. 2. Cancellation. COMNECCINST 1754.1B. 3. Policy. All NECF commands will establish a FRP to address family readiness matters per programs and processes identified in references (a) through (h). Expeditionary warfare units operate in environments and at operational tempos that Fleet-Oriented FRPs do not always adequately address. Reference (i) was developed to provide further guidance on executing the FRP and was developed by family members and staffers from NECF commands and provides a how to guidance on many matters not specifically addressed in other
references. All commands shall integrate family readiness into the command s Fleet Response Training Plan (FRTP). 4. Background. Mission readiness is the sum of a command s operational readiness, the individual Sailor s personal readiness and the readiness of families throughout the FRTP cycle. Traditionally, commands have focused on operational and individual readiness issues, but have fallen short in developing a holistic approach that includes family readiness throughout the FRTP. There is a direct relationship between military proficiency and Sailor and family readiness with their families in a higher state of readiness, individual Sailors are better able to perform their assigned missions efficiently, effectively and safely. By-products of a high state of Sailor and family readiness are improved quality of life and feeling of empowerment. While no one program can completely negate the sacrifices inherent and unavoidable in a NECF Sailor s lifestyle, an active FRP can leverage resources and significantly mitigate many of the negative aspects. This document delineates what the Type Command (TYCOM) and subordinate commands must do to develop effective programs. 5. Scope. The intent of this instruction is to define the NECF s family readiness organization and standardize processes, training and implementation of the NECF s FRP throughout the force. 6. Action. This instruction applies to all active and reserve component NECC organizations and personnel, including Individual Augmentee (IA) personnel under Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific (COMNECC/COMNECCPAC) administrative control. 7. Organization. There are two critical components of the NECF family readiness organization. The first is the TYCOM staff and the second is the echelon IV and below Command Family Readiness Teams (CFRT). The TYCOM staff is responsible for establishing and supporting policies and programs that enhance family readiness across the force. The force-wide TYCOM functions for family readiness will reside with the NECC staff. The CFRTs of echelon IV commands and their subordinates are responsible for establishing and sustaining viable FRPs to serve their Sailors and families. All Commanders/Commanding Officers (CO) are accountable and responsible for implementing a program that complies with references (a) through (h) in this instruction and that addresses unique concerns and needs of unit CFRTs. 2
a. TYCOM Staff (1) Program Component. COMNECC/COMNECCPAC will establish a Family Readiness Council (FRC) to oversee the development, support and implementation of family readiness policies, programs and initiatives throughout the NECF. As the NECF s principal family readiness planning body, the FRC will monitor progress and foster milestone accomplishment of the family readiness long range plan. The FRC will also develop the agenda for NECF s Family Readiness Symposium. The chairperson of the FRC is the NECF Family Readiness Director (FRD). FRC membership shall consist of the Force Master Chief (FORCM), Family Readiness Officer (FRO), Force Chaplain, Force Medical Officer, Force Embedded Mental Health Program Director, Force Judge Advocate, Force Inspector General (IG), Comptroller, NECC N-code Director for Training (N7), Warfighter Resiliency Program Manager, Force Public Affairs Officer and Force Command IA Coordinator (CIAC). The FRC may call upon subject matter experts not listed as permanent members, including representatives of subordinate echelon CFRTs as necessary to support performance of duties (i.e. echelon IV command Ombudsmen). The FRC will meet at least quarterly. Council responsibilities of specific FRC members are listed below: (a) Force FRD is the Chairperson of the FRC and responsible for the development of each council meeting s agenda. The FRD is responsible for developing an annual Communication Plan to develop FRPs throughout the force. Additionally, the FRD is responsible for the continuing development of the CFRT training curriculum. The FRD serves as the force representative for NECC family issues within community and military organizations at national, state and local levels. The FRD is the lead inspector of echelon IV FRPs and will report assessments primarily to the NECF IG under the Command Assessment Program, and secondarily to the FRC. (b) FORCM serves as a primary advisor to the Commander on all programs or matters that relate to the enlisted force. FORCM will provide the FRC with insight into current issues confronting Sailors and families, including morale, health, and welfare initiatives. (c) FRO serves as a primary advisor to the Commander on issues that should be addressed in order to support FRPs. As a mentor to Ombudsmen and FRO/Homeport Liaison (HPL) throughout the force the FRO provides the FRC with unique perspective on family issues. 3
(d) Force Chaplain advises the FRC on all matters relating to religion, core values, ethics, command religious programs, quality of life and the overall morale of the force and their families. Positive and negative trends noted will be communicated to the FRC. (e) Force Medical Officer advises the FRC on all healthcare matters as they apply to NECF Sailors and families. (f) Embedded Mental Health Program Director advises the FRC on all mental health issues and available mental health resources. (g) Force Judge Advocate acts as the principal legal advisor to the FRC in all matters to include, but not limited to, ensuring all initiatives comply with: Federal statutes; Joint Ethics Regulations; Secretary of the Navy and Office of the Chief of Naval Operations requirements; and fiscal law. (h) Force IG shall advise the FRC on trends identified from IG-related activities that impact family readiness and advocate quality of service for Sailors and their families. (i) Comptrollers (N02F) serve as an advisor to ensure requested requirements are within statutory regulations of the appropriation provided and/or if another appropriation may need to be researched. (j) N-code Director for Training (N7) provides the FRC with subject matter expertise on FRTP executing within the force. N7 knowledge will allow the FRC to link training opportunities for operational forces to family readiness training requirements. (k) Warfighter Resiliency Program Manager provides the FRC with advice on all matters relating to resiliency and supports the FRD in the development of CFRT training curriculum. (l) Force Public Affairs Officer advises the FRC on internal information, public/external information, community relations and marketing of FRPs and initiatives. (m) Force CIAC supports the FRC by bringing issues and policy decisions affecting IA Sailors and families forward for consideration or action. 4
(2) FRP Assessment Program. NECF will establish a comprehensive assessment program with compliance metrics to evaluate echelon IV command FRPs and the support that those commands offer to their subordinate (echelon V and VI) commands per reference (g). FRP assessments will be conducted in conjunction with NECF IG-led Command Assessments, but may be performed more often if circumstances warrant. Enclosure (1) provides compliance metrics for the FRP assessment program. (3) Family Readiness Survey (FRS). Echelon IV compliance with this directive will be measured at least annually, and when directed by COMNECC/COMNECCPAC. NECC/NECCPAC will conduct a FRS on echelon IV commands to evaluate the effectiveness of their FRP and their oversight of their subordinate commands FRP. Each month a new echelon IV command will be sent the survey to conduct with their command and subordinate commands. This allows for individual echelon IV commands to receive feedback and evaluate their FRP. Commands can add additional comments/questions to the survey by contacting the FRD. b. Command support to the FRP. In addition to guidelines provided FRPs in references (a) through (h) each command leadership team shall: (1) Establish in writing a CFRT which at a minimum shall consist of the command leadership team: CO, Executive Officer, Officer in Charge, Command Master Chief or Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Ombudsman, FRO/HPL, CIAC, Unit Chaplain if applicable, and command-approved Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader. In addition, comply with any requirements provided for FRPs in references (a) through (h). (2) Integrate Family Readiness training into all unit action FRTPs. Enclosure (2) provides a sample template of how training might be aligned. (3) Appoint a FRO to perform the duties as outlined in enclosure (3). (4) Develop and execute a Family Orientation for newly reporting Sailors and family members. A Family Orientation Template is located in the enclosure (f) of reference (i) and Power Point presentation located at the www.necc.navy.mil portal under the Family Readiness tab. 5
FAMILY READINESS PROGRAM S ASSESSMENT PROGRAM COMPLIANCE METRICS Per reference (g), the following compliance metrics will be used during the FRP assessment: 1. Provide a copy of command level instruction or policy (if applicable). 2. Provide documentation on FRP compliance from subordinate commands. 3. Provide copy of CFRT member s appointment letters. 4. Provide certificate from Ombudsman Basic Training. 5. Provide record of Ombudsman budget support. 6. Provide means used by command to support Ombudsman. 7. Provide minutes from CFRT meetings. 8. Provide copy of Integrated FRTP with family events included. 9. Provide record of budget and travel requirements. 10. Provide list of training events that CFRT members attend. 11. Provide list of training events that Sailors and family members attended. 12. Provide After Action Report (AAR) of CFRT training events. 13. Provide AAR of Sailor and family member s events. Enclosure (1)
FAMILY READINESS OFFICER S RESPONSIBILITIES The FRO is a uniformed service member assigned the collateral duty of FRO. The FRO s duties include: 1. Serve as the command liaison for command Ombudsman, FRG Leader, Sailors and their families. 2. Provide direct coordination of the FRP between the CFRT, Sailors and families. 3. Participate in Command Indoctrination to ensure Sailors are aware of the FRP and available Family Readiness resources from FFSC, local and state. 4. FRO should be listed on the check-in sheet so the FRO can brief every Sailor during check-in processes. During check-in brief, the FRO/HPL should distribute FRP information along with date of next Family Orientation. FRO should share spouse contact information with Ombudsman after the brief so Ombudsman s spouse list is current. 5. For junior personnel reporting onboard, promote FFSC s New Spouse Training course. It is a significant preventative training tool. 6. Contact the spouse of a newly reporting Sailor within 30 days of briefing Sailor and provide information on Family Orientation and available Family Readiness resources. 7. Promote FRPs. Ensure local FFSC has FRO and Ombudsman contact information to receive local information. 8. Coordinate command leadership attendance at graduations of Ombudsman Basic Training. 9. Ensure the timely submission of authorized volunteer reimbursement claims. 10. Coordinate Family Readiness training for Sailors and their families as part of the FRTP. 11. Arrange all appropriate FRP administrative and logistical support. Enclosure (3)