centers can give you excellent advice and information
you can use to create an effective, comprehensive
directory. Figure 2-3 shows the type of information you
should include for each of the resources in your
directory.
In addition, you can organize other types of
information that will help Navy and Marine Corps
personnel and their families. Remember, many
different issues will lead Navy and Marine Corps
personnel and their families to seek assistance from the
Office of the Chaplain. You can organize this important
information in a well-defined command, deployment,
ombudsman, or family support guide. Figure 2-4 is an
outline of a support guide that you might prepare to
promote this type of program.
UNDERSTANDING SPECIAL PROBLEMS
In your career as an RP, you will discover that some
of the most pressing issues that lead personnel and
families to seek assistance include separation and
deployment; alcohol and drug dependency; services for
single members, families, and children; retirement and
aging; and resources management services. In
developing and maintaining an effective,
comprehensive directory and maintaining a sensitive
and caring attitude, you will play a major role in helping
many people get through these difficult situations. Let’s
take a closer look at some of the special problems facing
military people and their families.
Separation and Deployment
The deployment of Navy and Marine Corps
personnel aboard ships at sea and field exercises is a
routine occurrence. Deployments often result in long,
frequent, and repeated family separations. In many
cases, direct communication with family members may
not be possible.
When problems associated with deployment and
family separations occur, the Navy chaplain will stand
ready to assist both the deployed member and the
deployed member’s family. Normally, such assistance
will take the form of pastoral counseling or referral
assistance.
As an RR you will play a profound role in helping
your chaplain and the Navy and Marine Corps personnel
of your command and their families prepare for
deployment and postdeployment events. In helping
military persons and their families cope with
deployment and postdeployment stress, you should have
a working knowledge of the following contact persons,
agencies, and resources:
. The deployed unit or home port contact officer
who provides families of deployed members assistance
in times of emergency. The contact officer circulates
information at regular intervals to the ombudsman and
other representatives of each deployed unit.
. The ombudsman who serves as a liaison with
officials of the Navy for the families of Navy personnel.
The Navy Family Ombudsman Program, OPNAVINST
1750.1, contains detailed information concerning the
family support program.
. The American Red Cross (ARC), an organization
funded by voluntary contributions. The work of the
ARC is carried out primarily by volunteers. There are
more than 3,000 chapters in communities throughout the
United States, at military installations, in hospitals
worldwide, and at Department of Veterans Affairs
offices. The ARC provides counseling in relation to
personal and family problems; maintains family ties;
assists service members and military authorities in
providing information regarding leave, reassignment,
and discharge by providing reports about emergencies;
gives financial assistance to meet emergency needs;
provides information concerning community services;
assists patients in military hospitals; and assists
veterans, their dependents, and survivors in preparation
of government benefits. In addition, the ARC works
closely with the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society.
Figure 2-3.—Information inclusive to an information and resource directory.
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