What is AFAP?
The Army Family Action Plan is an Army-wide initiative to identify issues of concern to improve the overall Quality of Life for Soldiers and their Families. This process is used to identify the most critical well-being issues facing the Army today and provide suggestions about how things can be improved. Senior Army leadership places a great deal of emphasis on issues raised through the AFAP process and work to ensure that, wherever possible, they are resolved.
What is the annual AFAP Conference?
Each November, representatives (Soldiers, Family members, civilians, retirees, etc.) from across the West Point community participate in the annual West Point AFAP conference. Issues that have been submitted during the year are reviewed and prioritized. At the conclusion of the conference, issues are presented to the West Point Garrison Commander and senior leadership. Issues that can be resolved at the local level are worked by local agencies.
The 2010 AFAP Conference is scheduled for 17-18 November, 2010. A registration form will be posted in the near future, but for more information about participating in the 2010 AFAP conference, please contact the AFAP Program Manager.
The 2009 AFAP Conference was held 17-18 November, 2009:
• Outbrief Slides
• Summary from the conference
• Pictures from the conference
What happens to AFAP issues?
The Commander’s AFAP Steering Committee meets quarterly to provide updates about issue resolution and ensure that issues are continually worked and do not become stagnant. Issues remain in the process until the Steering Committee deems them complete or unattainable. The Committee is chaired by the Garrison Commander and Chief of Staff.
The last Steering Committee meeting was conducted 3 September 2009:
• Minutes from the 3 Sep 09 Steering Committee meeting
The next Steering Committee meeting will be held 9 February 2009 at 1430 at the Jewish Chapel.
What happens to issues that cannot be resolved locally?
Issues that are beyond the scope of West Point are forwarded to DA for inclusion into the AFAP process. At the Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA) AFAP conference, issues are reviewed, those that are prioritized are worked. The General Officer Steering Committee (GOSC) meets quarterly to review issues and determines when they are complete or unattainable
• Information Paper 2010
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How do we know when issues are resolved?
For information about all West Point AFAP issues, please review the West Point AFAP Issue Update Book. For information about HQDA AFAP issues, please review the HQDA AFAP issue books.
• West Point Active APAF Issue Update Book
• West Point Closed AFAP Issue Update Book
• HQDA Active AFAP Issue Update Book
• HQDA Closed AFAP Issue Update Book
How long does it take for an issue to be resolved?
Some issues can resolved within 90 days of the conference, however, some issues that require higher level action such as changes to Army and OSD regulatory guidance and policy and to Federal law require time to accomplish. Some issues prove more difficult to resolve than others. On the average, issues at the HQDA level take 2 ½ years to complete.
What are some of AFAP’s success stories?
To get an idea of what AFAP has done for the Army family; take a look at some of the benefits available today as a result of the process.
Some success stories at HQDA:
Some success stories at HQDA:
• Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance (SGLI) increased from $50,000 to $200,000
• Expanded dental insurance plan that increased coverage for dental procedures and some orthodontic services.
• Temporary Lodging Expense increased from 4 to 10 days.
• A standardized military Identification Card for Reserve Component family members.
• Soldiers may store a vehicle at government expense if PCS to location where vehicle not allowed.
• Thrift Savings Plan was authorized.
We have also experienced several successes locally, including:
• Childcare for substitute teachers at West Point Schools
• Playground for Special Needs Family Members
• Sponsorship program for deployed personnel
• Junior ROTC program at O’Neill High School
• Covered shelters at shuttle bus stops
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