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Navigating EFMP

The Exceptional Family Member Program, or EFMP, is military wide. However, there are some key differences in how branches implement the program which could impact your PCS. Namely, the Navy and Coast Guard have a category system; the other branches consider on a case-by-case basis.

For the Navy and Coast Guard, medical conditions are pre-categorized 1-6. These categories determine where a family member can and cannot go based on the family member’s medical condition and the care needed.

  • Category 1: Needs do not generally limit assignments
  • Category 2: Condition requires specific CONUS or overseas locations
  • Category 3: Usually no assignment to overseas locations based on non-availability of needed services
  • Category 4: Assignment to billets near major military or civilian medical facility
  • Category 5: Enables service member to home­stead in a major medical area that of­fers both sea and shore assignments
  • Category 6: Temporary Category; Condition requires a stable environment for six months to one year

EFMP and OCONUS

Everyone needs an EFMP screening even if they are not and never have been part of EFMP. Even if there are no disabilities or chronic illnesses to speak of, the military (regardless of branch) needs to document.

You can find general information here. Looking for forms? You can find them here. 

Get this screening done as early as possible. Based on the doctor’s notes, orders may need to be adjusted. The screenings are the same regardless of branch. 

CONUS

If this is your first PCS or your service member’s first duty station and you have a known medical condition, you will need to enroll in EFMP. The program enables HRC to cut orders with the particular family member’s medical needs taken into account. 

Go here to find a link to DD 2792 (the screening for those who have medical conditions) and DD 2792-1 (the screening for early intervention and/or special education)

If the service member plans to geo-bach (moving to the duty station without bringing dependents), then the EFM’s paperwork needs to be submitted to the installation closest to the EFM’s location, not the service member’s. The paperwork will needs to be updated every three years, regardless of whether your family is preparing to PCS.

If you’re already enrolled and you service member is in the Army, you will need to do research pertaining to the service member’s duty station wish list. Ensure that there are medical providers in the vicinity who treat your (or your child’s) condition, and if the needs are educational, ensure that the school your child would attend offers the necessary services

HRC does not do this research. It is for the service member and family to do. 

Once this research is complete, the service member needs to take the options to the Retention Office. They will contact HRC with your requests and determine whether there is a position available for your service member at those duty stations. If there aren’t available positions are the proposed options, your service member will either receive counter-offers (duty stations to research where there is a position available) or told to come up with a new list.

Tip: Connect with the installation EFMP office when you arrive at your new duty station. Learn about available offerings. They differ from one duty station to the next.

Branch Specific Information

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