Airmen need a family care plan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Taryn Shake
  • Chief, 482nd Fighter Wing Customer Support
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Being a parent or guardian is a great responsibility. The rewards are great, but so are the challenges for today's Airmen. As an Air Force member, work sometimes extends beyond the 9 to 5 shift and it is not only important, but necessary, to have a plan in place in case of a sudden call to duty for a no-notice deployment or temporary duty.

During Desert Shield/Storm there were many cases of children left to fend for themselves after their parents were deployed. That situation, left undetected could have resulted in tragedy.

It is our responsibility as service members to ensure adequate care arrangements are made for your family members in the event you are selected for permanent change of station (PCS) or temporary duty (TDY) or other similar military obligation.

Failure to make such arrangements may not only cause unnecessary problems for your family, but could result in disciplinary action under the UCMJ or involuntary separation or both.

Some military members are required to put their plan in writing. The requirements for these individuals are determined by the following categories:

a. Single Member Sponsor: An Air Force member who has no spouse but who has a family members residing in their household who are incapable of self-care.

b. Military Couples With Family Members: Service members who are married to each other who are jointly responsible for non-military family members must physically reside in the household with military.

c. Other: People determined by the commander who have special circumstances that would necessitate a family care plan in the absence of the military sponsor.

If you meet the above criteria you need to have a Family Care Plan on file with you unit. See your First Sergeant or Commander for more information on family care.