LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
In accordance with AFI 36-2908, military members are required to make and maintain family care arrangements in order to be available to fulfill a wide range of military obligations.
Categories of military personnel who must complete and maintain a family care plan (AF IMT 357) include:
· Single parents
· Dual military couples (MIL-to-MIL) with dependents
· Members with civilian spouses with unique situations (i.e., spouse does not speak English)
· Members with special needs family members
Members should notify the MPF Customer Service and their commander or first sergeant immediately, but absolutely no later than within 30 days of the changes in personal status or as family circumstances occur, such as:
· Birth or adoption of a child
· Divorce, separation or loss of a spouse through death
· Civilian spouse joins the military and the couple has children
· Assumption of care for an elderly or disabled family member
· Civilian spouse is absent or travels frequently due to career commitments
If it is determined that a FCP must be completed, the military member must ensure that the AF IMT 357 is completed in order to designate a long-term or short-term caregiver. The member must also ensure that the caregiver is familiar with base agencies and how they can support or aid the family. Other personal responsibilities of the military member include:
· Notifying schools and other organizations that provide assistance or care to the family that a designee will be picking up children from school or other programs
· Providing a copy of the AF IMT 357 to the designated caregiver
· Contacting the base legal office to complete a power of attorney that allows for all designees/caregivers to escort the family members to medical appointments, enroll in school, and perform other actions to ensure proper care of the family members during the military members absence and providing a copy of the power of attorney to the caregiver
Every Air Force member is expected to be available at all times to perform their military duties which include alerts, recalls, extended duty hours and similar military obligations. Therefore, for those individuals who require a FCP, arrangements must be made for both short term and long term situations. More specific guidance on these arrangements can be found in AFI 36-2908.
For more information about the Family Care Program, call the Customer Service office at 764-2270.