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What is AFAP?
Army Family Action Plan is the process which allows the Army Family (Soldiers, Retirees, DA Civilians, National Guard, Reserves and Family Members) the opportunity to tell Army leadership what is working and what isn’t - AND provide solutions to issues. AFAP alerts Army leaders to areas of concern that need their attention and it gives them the opportunity to quickly create plans to resolving issues.
How does AFAP Work?
Local installations host AFAP forums annually- where the Total Army Family identifies issues which they believe are important to maintain a good standard of living. Local Commanders strongly support issue resolution. About 90% of AFAP issues are retained and worked at local levels, resulting in on-going community improvements. Issues which are applicable beyond local level are forwarded to Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA). At HQDA delegates from across the Army nationwide determine which issues will go into the AFAP. Issues that are selected for the AFAP are worked toward resolution by a board of key DOD and Army staff general officers and senior executive service representatives (General Officer Steering Committee or GOSC). The GOSC reviews the progress of AFAP issues on a semi-annual basis and they are the final determining factor on the status of all issues. They determine if an issue is resolved, unattainable, or if it needs to remain active until the issue’s stated objectives are met.
West Point conducts annual AFAP Conferences in which quality of life issues, submitted by the community, are discussed by volunteer delegates. Issues are prioritized, discussed and subsequently presented to USMA leadership at the conclusion of the two-day conference.
West Point agencies are then tasked to resolve those issues, if possible. Issues requiring Department of the Army action are forwarded to HQDA. As AFAP is a year-round process, the Commander’s AFAP Steering Committee, chaired by the
USMA Chief of Staff, convenes triennially to review the progress of active AFAP issues.
Members of the West Point Community, former delegates and retirees are most welcome to attend the conference. Meetings are announced by Command Channel, the Pointer View, and other venues.
Proof that AFAP works…
AFAP success stories include:
11% increase in BAH
Authorization for Soldiers to participate in the Thrift Savings Program
The establishment of the JROTC Program at O’Neill High School
90 day stabilization upon redeploying
A vehicle can be stored at government expense when a Soldier is reassigned to an area where shipment isn’t authorized
Family Separation Allowance has been increased from $75.00 to now $250.00
TLE was authorized for first-term enlisted personnel and is being pursued for first-term officers
Family Support Groups were institutionalized
Dental and Vision Insurance Coverage for Federal Employees
Initiated the Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers Program.
Local Issues forwarded to DA:
Provide Laser Eye Surgery for all TRICARE Beneficiaries
Social Security Numbers Displayed on ID Cards
Retiree Dental Benefits
Civilian Benefits Advisor
How can you participate in the conference?
Be a part of the AFAP process. We are currently seeking volunteers to serve as delegates, facilitators, recorders, issue support and observers. If you are interested in participating in the local conference, click here to register for the 2007 AFAP Conference. Free Child Care is available for conference participants.
Do you want to be
an AFAP Participant? Click
here
Positions Available:
Facilitator: Serves as the neutral steward of the work group. They direct the activity of the group and stimulate discussion while helping the group to reach consensus. Should be an optimist who works well with diverse groups.
Recorder: Captures basic ideas on paper in full view of the group. They are basically the note-taker. They must also remain neutral while supporting the facilitator and the administrative staff. Should possess good listening skills.
Issue Support: Helps the workgroup with ideas and suggestions for clarity. Armed with a current Issue Book, they ensure the group’s issues are not currently being worked or have recently been worked at local or DA level.
Delegates: Serve as the decision makers. They serve as representatives of the Army family while expressing ideas and recommending solutions for the issues they identify as crucial. Must work well with diverse groups and be a team player! They are the backbone of the conference from where AFAP begins.
Child care available for conference participants through the Child Development Center (must meet eligibility) (Ages 6 weeks to 5 years) Registration & Reservation required
Call x3921 or 4458 for reservations. Proof of current immunization required at registration
Please review the position details and decide where you can best serve our community by volunteering. We need you to make the AFAP process a success!
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