Soldiers stationed all over the world may have a Family member with special needs. The Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to identify Family members with ongoing medical, mental health or educational needs. Soldiers with exceptional Family members (children and adults) are required by the governing authority and Army Regulation 608-75 to enroll their family member in EFMP.
The EFMP enrollment can be initiated by a medical practitioner or school/program personnel. By submitting a completed Department of Defense Form 2792, “Exceptional Family Member Medical Summary,” and/or DD Form 2792-1, “Exceptional Family Member Special Education/Early Intervention Summary,” the Soldier identifies a Family member with special needs. Special needs may involve any medical care above the level normally provided by a family physician in an outpatient setting, serious chronic medical problems, physical disabilities, mental health disorders, or Family members that require early intervention/special education services.
Once enrolled, the EFMP medical enrollment summary is used for consideration during the assignment coordination process to ensure that the gaining installation can meet the Family member’s educational and/or medical needs. Educational needs are not considered for Continental United States assignments. Assignments will depend on a valid personnel requirement for the Soldier’s grade, specialty, and eligibility for the tour. However, all Soldiers remain eligible for worldwide assignments. Further, enrollment in the EFMP does not adversely affect selection for promotion, schools or assignment. Information about the Family member’s condition, including diagnosis, type of providers, frequency of care, medication, and special accommodations in the program is not available to selection boards.
Soldiers are responsible for maintaining their Family member’s EFMP enrollment because it is a permanent enrollment. An update is required if the Family member’s medical or educational condition changes significantly or the Soldier is separating from the Army. An update is required every three years, at a minimum. Soldiers can find their EFMP status at Army Knowledge Online and it is listed on Officer Record Briefs or Enlisted Record Briefs.
In all cases, enrollment in the EFMP ensures that the special needs of your Family member(s) can be met. This program works with military and civilian agencies to ensure that comprehensive and coordinated community support, appropriate housing, educational, medical and personnel services are available to Families with special needs, prior to a permanent change of station. The U.S. Army Medical Department Activity at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin assists Soldiers and their Families with medical and/or educational enrollments, updates, disenrollment processing, overseas screening, and provides information on medical services available in the region. For further guidance contact Moung (Cindy) Saephanh at 380-3159. Walk-in hours are from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; the office is located at Dr. Mary E. Walker Center in the Blue Team section.
