1 SOMDG EFMP recommends Airmen enroll now, prevent a headache later

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The Exceptional Family Member Program helps to ensure every family member's medical and educational needs are met during Permanent Change of Station (PCS) by processing outbound Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS) applications. The FMTS application is required for all active-duty members who have family members with applicable medical needs. Understanding the process, timelines, and what documents are required is key to preventing delays or issues while processing a permanent change of station (PCS).

 

 “We’re here to help; these steps are required, and we are here to guide and help members make this as easy as possible, because we recognize how hard this can be for Airmen and their families,” said Tawni DeStaven, 1st Special Operations Medical Group EFMP-Medical.

 

IMPORTANT:

1. The Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) advises Airmen not to make any important, irrevocable decisions before the Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS) process is complete. Travel is either APPROVED or DENIED and if truly denied, orders may be cancelled.

 

2. There is now a 2-part orders process you may take advantage of. The first part allows you to schedule with the Traffic Management Office (TMO), get passports, etc. after starting the FMTS application. The amendment allows Airmen to out process the base and is only given after getting the “Travel Approved” from gaining installation.

 

3. If an Airman’s application is waiting on medical records here at the local level, it is helpful for the Airmen or family member to be proactive in obtaining those records or requesting records are sent to the local EFMP-Medical office soonest.

 

Here are some things to expect: The average time a Family Member Travel System (FMTS) application stays at the local EFMP-M office (awaiting required documents) is 40 days. Required Documents include off-base medical records, which can take up to 30 days to be returned. A major change from recent years is that now travel is approved or denied; It is no longer just a recommendation. If a Dependent Travel Not Approved (DTNA) is received by the gaining base, then the Airman can no longer PCS to that location with or without dependents.

 

When processing a permanent change of station to CONUS locations, the following documents are required for the FMTS application: a MyVector application listing all family members; medical records from past one year for each family member; DD2792-1 completed by school if child has IEP/IFSP; and DD2792 if dependent meets criteria for enrollment. For OCONUS, these same documents are needed in addition to 1466D completed by dentist for children ages two and older. Exemptions for the dental form currently apply to those relocating to Osan and Ramstein. The school form DD2792-1 is required for ALL children going overseas, regardless of the child’s age or educational need. It’s also important to note that adults require a physical within 2 years and children must have one annually for a move overseas.

 

Airman can take the following steps to ensure they are successful during PCS: start their application process in MyVector as soon as possible, determine if family meets criteria for enrollment, schedule an appointment with their primary care manager (PCM) for DD2792 completion, get school to complete DD2792-1 if needed, and request copies of medical records from all off-base providers. Additionally, Airmen should be sure to notify EFMP staff immediately if the MyVector screener isn’t available within two weeks of their initial assignment briefing. Most importantly, Airman should be proactive in obtaining all the necessary documents prior to moving.

 

Following the guidelines and best practices of the EFMP-M program can help ensure smooth sailing during PCS. Understanding what documents are required and taking proactive steps to get them is essential for a successful move. Additionally, being aware that overseas locations require additional paperwork such as 1466D from a dentist, allows Airman to plan accordingly to avoid any potential issues or delays in the process. With these tips and tricks Airmen can be sure that their families’ needs are taken care of when it comes time for a permanent change of station this year.

 

See the Hurlburt Field EFMP Enrollment and FMTS Guide for enrollment criteria, all forms and form instructions. Airmen with additional questions can find up-to-date information as well as dashboards with live data here: https://daffamilyvector.us.af.mil/membersite/