May 2, 2014, MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) – Navy leaders reminded Sailors that they are required to verify and update their Exceptional Family Member (EFM) status if applicable as mandated by OPNAVINST 1754.2D, May 1.
“Every three years, 12 months prior to their projected rotation date, or when there is a change in condition, families enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) need to update their status,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brent Dennis, Navy EFMP manager. “This allows the Navy to better place the family members in a geographical area where they will receive their required care”.
EFMP is designed to ensure that family members are stationed in locations where they can receive care and treatment for physical, mental, emotional or educational needs. There are locations where Sailors’ family members can’t get the care they need, and in these cases Sailors can elect an unaccompanied tour or try to negotiate for a different location.
Sailors may have a fear of enrollment into the program due to a misconception that by doing so it may limit their assignments and career advancement. This fear and these negative perceptions are not supported by any facts. Enrollment is mandatory once a qualified family member is diagnosed, and it will not hurt the service member’s chances for advancement.
“When Sailors do not update their enrollment status it slows down the detailing process. The detailers are required to hold orders for Sailors with an outdated enrollment status,” explained Dennis. “It is important that we are making assignments with the most updated and accurate information to support the needs of Navy, the service member and the family.”
Sailors and family members can reach out to the EFMP Coordinators at their local Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) as well as the Fleet & Family Service Centers for information on the program and enrollment. New EFM enrollments are done through the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS). The EFM module is at HTTPS://navyfamily.navy.mil. The NFAAS Navy Family Member’s user guide is available, after login, under the help tab. In addition, Sailors may refer to NAVPERS 15614J (08/08) for additional helpful information.