Just for Ombudsman
Ombudsman-At-Large
The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) may appoint two Ombudsmen-at-Large. Traditionally they have been the spouse of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) and another senior military spouse. The Ombudsmen-at-Large are tasked by the CNO to improve family readiness by advising him and the MCPON on matters affecting Sailors and their families. As they travel throughout the Navy, they meet with Navy leadership, Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) staff, command family ombudsmen, family members and Sailors. 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. Please encourage your fellow ombudsmen and spouses to attend these groups.
The Navy Ombudsman Program continues to strengthen and evolve to meet the needs of our families. The Family Readiness Program staff and FFSC staff are working together to establish policy and provide the tools needed to support the Command Ombudsman. Some of the ways they are doing this are through:
- Standardized training and manuals
- Family Connection Newsletters
- The Ombudsman Coordinator - available for your support and as a great resource
The Ombudsman Registry
A vital tool for command leadership and ombudsmen is the Ombudsman Registry at www.ombudsmanregistry.org. The registry allows Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) to deliver real-time communication and information to commanders, ombudsmen and Ombudsman Coordinators. Commands are required to register, assign their ombudsmen and ensure that required worksheet data is submitted per OPNAVINST 1750.1G.
Once the command has appointed an ombudsman, the CO/POC should register the new ombudsman with the Navy’s Ombudsman Registry at http://www.ombudsmanregistry.org. This allows the ombudsman’s name and contact information to be distributed as needed and enables ombudsmen to submit monthly or quarterly worksheets. Instruction guidance for commanders/command designees, ombudsmen and Ombudsmen Coordinators can be found on the login page of the Ombudsman Registry just below the “contact Your Ombudsman” section.
Ombudsmen cannot register or assign themselves to a command. Ombudsmen must contact their command POC to be registered.
Ombudsman Networking
The Ombudsman Program enhances the exchange of information and ideas between the leadership of the command and the family members of those serving within the unit. Today’s social media sites provide additional means of communicating with command families and other ombudsmen. Fleet and Family Support Programs and Navy Leadership recognize this and have introduced an Ombudsman Forum and Face Book page for ombudsmen.
The Ombudsman Forum
Hosted on the Ombudsman Registry, the Ombudsman Forum provides a means for ombudsmen to share information, best practices, seek guidance and network with other ombudsmen through a message board. To access the forum, an ombudsman must be registered in the registry. CNIC Ombudsman Program staff updates the forum with information pertinent and useful to ombudsmen.
US Navy Ombudsman Program Discussion Group Facebook Page
The Ombudsman Facebook page is a private group for ombudsmen, command leadership and senior leadership spouses, Ombudsman Coordinators, and Certified Ombudsman Trainers (COTs). As with the Ombudsman Forum, anyone requesting to join the group must be registered in the Ombudsman Registry. This page provides information and hosts a discussion page where members can share information and post resources, etc. To join, go to: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=242277432495. After confirming that you are registered in the Ombudsman Registry, you will be able to access the page and communicate with other ombudsmen and leadership.
Tools You Can Use:
Tools for Command Ombudsmen including the News Articles, Resources, and links that will assist you in your daily roles as an Ombudsman