Ombudsman Program & Family Readiness Group
Ombudsman
The Navy Ombudsman Program is a cornerstone of fleet and family readiness, acting as a vital link between a command’s leadership and its families. Ombudsmen are highly trained volunteers appointed by the commanding officer to serve as official liaisons, ensuring families receive timely and accurate information while providing confidential support.
As a trusted resource, an Ombudsman confidentially assists families by providing guidance and connecting them with appropriate resources for challenges they may face. They are trained to handle sensitive issues with the utmost discretion, except for reportable incidents such as domestic violence or child abuse. The program’s core mission is to empower Navy families, enhance mission readiness, and ensure every family feels connected to and supported by their command. Need help finding your Ombudsman? Contact the Military and Family Support Center (MFSC) at MFSC.OMB.FRG@us.navy.mil or (808) 474-1999.
Family Readiness Group
A Family Readiness Group (FRG) is a command-sponsored organization in which family members, Sailors, and civilians volunteer together to build a resilient and self-sufficient community. The FRG serves as a vital network for mutual support and assistance, strengthening the connection between the command and Navy families.
The group’s primary mission is to provide official command information and a variety of support services, playing a crucial role in preparing families for deployments and other separations. By offering a robust support system and organizing social events, FRGs help families navigate the challenges of military life while fostering a strong sense of community. They work closely with the command Ombudsman to help ensure families have seamless access to the information and resources they need.
Military and Family Support Center
The Military and Family Support Center specializes in empowering Ombudsman and Family Readiness Group volunteers through training and resource management. We provide Ombudsmen with advanced training in confidential support and crisis management, while FRG leaders receive specialized training in leadership and community building.
MFSC equips both programs with materials, expert guidance, and connections to a broader network of resources, helping ensure volunteers are prepared to effectively support Navy families.
If you are interested in making a difference in our community, we invite you to explore becoming an Ombudsman or FRG leader. Contact the Military and Family Support Center to learn more about these leadership opportunities.
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Please register for all classes via MFSC Class Schedule & Registration or call (808) 474-1999.
Reminder: Children are not allowed to attend in-person training sessions; we ask that you plan accordingly for your childcare needs.
Please contact MFSC at MFSC.OMB.FRG@us.navy.mil for a current local calendar of training events. Additional training schedules can be found on the CNIC Ombudsman Basic Training & COT Schedules landing page.
Training for Ombudsman Program Volunteers
CNIC’s comprehensive training curriculum is designed to prepare Ombudsman volunteers for their critical role. From foundational knowledge to continuous professional development, the Military and Family Support Center (MFSC) helps ensure every Ombudsman is confident, capable, and connected to the resources they need.
Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT)
This mandatory 20-hour course is the essential first step for anyone selected to serve as a command Ombudsman. OBT provides a comprehensive foundation in the program’s core principles, covering official roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards required to be an effective liaison.
The training is designed not only for Ombudsman candidates but also for command leadership, including commanding officers, executive officers, chaplains, command master chiefs, chiefs of the boat, and their spouses. This fosters a shared understanding and strong integration of the program within the command structure.
Advanced Training
Resource management is a cornerstone of being effective in the role of an Ombudsman. Advanced Training is a mandatory requirement for all active Ombudsmen, providing ongoing professional development and expert guidance.
Led by subject-matter experts, these sessions explore a variety of relevant topics designed to address the evolving challenges faced by commands and their families. Both Navy Ombudsmen and Air Force Key Support Liaisons are encouraged to attend, as the training offers new resources, deepens expertise, and provides a valuable forum for collaboration.
Certified Ombudsman Trainer (COT) Training
This advanced course is designed for experienced individuals selected to take on the vital role of training the next generation of Ombudsmen. The COT “train-the-trainer” program equips participants with the skills and certification needed to deliver Ombudsman Basic Training
effectively.
Due to the advanced nature of this course, specific prerequisites must be met prior to enrollment.
Training for Family Readiness Group (FRG) Volunteers
Our FRG training equips volunteer leaders with the skills and knowledge to build and sustain a thriving, supportive community for all command families.
Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leadership Training
This essential, skill-building workshop is designed for FRG leaders, including the president, vice president, and Command Support Team (CST) spouses. The curriculum provides a practical roadmap for success, covering how to launch a new group, clarify leadership roles, run effective meetings, and plan for key events such as homecomings.
Participants will leave with creative ideas and proven strategies to make their FRG an inviting, productive, and indispensable resource for command families.
Command Support Team (CST) Spouse Training
This condensed training is specifically tailored for spouses of the Command Support Team. It provides a focused overview of the family-support ecosystem, with special emphasis on understanding and balancing the partnership between the FRG and the command Ombudsman.
The course helps ensure CST spouses are well-equipped to support and strengthen collaboration between these two vital programs.
Ombudsman On-Demand Orientation
CNIC Ombudsman Program Resources
MFSC: Explore all the additional programs MFSC offers here on GreatLifeHawaii.com!
FOCUS Resilience Training: Grounded in decades of research on family resilience and prevention programs. Since 2008, FOCUS Program has provided state of the art family resilience services to military families, children and couples.
Call (808)257-7774 for more information.
Military OneSource: 24/7 support for active duty service members, spouses, children and survivors. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ or 800-342-9647
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