The Process:  You may submit issues through your Command’sC) AFAP Program Manager (PM) at any time.  The PM will provide assistance with writing the issues to ensure they meet DA AFAP guidelines.  PM’s will research the issue to determine if a similar one is already in the AFAP process or previously deemed unattainable, and if so, submitter will be informed.  If issues impact only the local community, they are resolved locally.  If they have a broader scope, they are sent forward and evaluated for submission into the Army Reserve (AR) AFAP.  About 95% of AFAP issues are retained and worked at the local level and result in ongoing community improvements.  Your Program Manager can assist, train or brief the program to local commanders, family members, and Soldiers at Family Readiness Group (FRG) meetings, Family Day, or upon request.

Visit the AFAP Download Center, contact your local AFAP Program Manager, or  submit an issue.

2008 Army Reserve AFAP Conference Results

The 2008 Army Reserve AFAP Conference was held March 2 - 6 2008, at the Westin Park Central, Dallas, Texas. The conference provided an opportunity for 41 delegates, 11 of which are Army Reserve teens, to come together and influence the well-being of America's Army Family in a process echoed in the theme, "Improving the Standards of Living for a Strong Army Reserve." View Issues Submitted View Conference Results Final Conference Report-Out

The HQDA AFAP Conference was held December 3 to December 7, 2007 in Alexandria, Virginia at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road; Alexandria, VA. 
This year's theme"AFAP...the Voice of the Army Family" were echoed by the delegates representing the total Army (Family Members, AW2 Soliders, Youth, AGR Soliders, TPU Soliders, Spouses, Active Army...to name a few).

View Conference Results

The 2007 Army Reserve AFAP Conference was held April 23 to April 27, 2007 in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront.  
This year's theme "Improving the Standards of Living for a Strong Army Reserve" is echoed by the increase in staff to support Army Reserve Families.

View Conference Results
View Issues by Work Group

The HQDA Army Family Action Plan Conference was held November 13 - 17, 2006 in Alexandria, VA.  The conference delegates, including 6 Army Reserve representatives, prioritized 16 issues to be entered into the AFAP process. 
In addition, delegates voted on the five most critical active issues already in the process, 4 most valuable services, and the mobilization/family support strengths and weaknesses.

View Conference Results

The 2006 Army Reserve AFAP Conference was held June 12 - 16 June, 2006, in Houston, Texas. The conference was an opportunity for 57 delegates, 24 of which were Army Reserve teens, to come together and influence the well-being of America's Army Family in a process echoed in the theme, "Army Reserve Actions, Changing for the Well-Being of Soldiers and their Families."
The conference Report-Out was received by LTG Jack C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve / Commanding General, US Army Reserve Command.

View Conference Results

The HQDA Army Family Action Plan Conference was held January 23-27, 2006 in Alexandria, VA.  The conference delegates, including 13 Army Reserve representatives, prioritized 12 issues to be entered into the AFAP. 
In addition, delegates voted on the six most critical active issues already in the process, 4 most valuable services and mobilization/family support strengths and weaknesses.

View Conference Results

In the late 1970’s, Army spouses wanted to improve on the standard of living for their families.  They realized they would have to get organized in order to accomplish this.  They brought light to problems, suggested ways to resolve them and then volunteered their efforts to fix them.  These community--minded spouses and their commitment to good standard of living within the Army formed the beginning of the Army Family Action Plan. 
The AFAP was formally adopted at the first HQDA planning conference in July 1983 and the Army Family Action Plan was published in 1984. 
At the same time, the Community and Family Support Center (CFSC)  was created and given the mission to continue and institutionalize the grass roots process begun by Army spouses.

In the 20 years AFAP has been operating:
589 issues have been adopted into the HQDA AFAP and have resulted in the following:
95 changes to legislation
137 changes to Army and OSD policy
153 improvements to programs and services
52% of AFAP issues benefit all of DOD

Catch up on AFTB/AFAP news and upcoming events.
Download the AFTB/AFAP Quarterly Newsletter

What is AFAP? [1/13/2006] “AFAP is a grass root process that directs actions to enhance readiness and increase retention by improving the quality of life for Soldiers and their families, identifies issues of concern to the total army, and it determines actions necessary to resolve issues and assigns responsibility for actions to the proper Army Staff Agency.”

What examples are AFAP Issues? [1/13/2006] Issues pertaining to benefits, medical, entitlements, education, and finances are examples of potential AFAP Issues

How long does it take to resolve an AFAP Issue? [1/13/2006] AFAP Issues make take as long as two years to resolve depending on the issue. Issues are reviewed every six months until resolution by the General Officer Steering Committee. The purpose of the review is to ensure issues do not become stagnant. There is no set time to resolve an AFAP Issue.

Is there a format for submitting an AFAP Issue? [1/13/2006] Yes. AFAP issues contain three sections: a title, scope and recommendations. Someone reading your issue should understand what is the problem, why it’s a problem, and what will fix the problem. Title: The issue title is a short summary of the issue. It is not a sentence. Example: “Tuition Assistance for Overseas Spouses” not “ Spouses Overseas Have Limited Access to Scholarships” Scope: The Scope is a clear and concise paragraph about the issue. The Scope identifies one problem, not several. It is three or four sentences in length. The first sentence states the problem; the middle sentences provide facts or additional information; and the last sentence says why the issue is important. Recommendation: Recommendations tell what you want to happen – the end product that will resolve this issue. Recommendations always start with a strong action verb (e.g., Strong verbs: provide, conduct, develop, build, fund; Weak verbs: consider, seek, ensure) each recommendation must relate to the problem identified in the Scope. If recommendations address a different topic, then submit another issue paper. Issues are limited to 3 or fewer recommendations. Example: “Develop a tuition assistance program for overseas spouses.” Not “Spouses should get financial aid in areas where they have limited scholarships or employment.” Submitter’s name and phone number: (optional) Unit name and telephone number (submitting the issue) (This information gives us a way to contact you for more information or to let you know what happened to the issue)

Who do I contact to submit an issue? [1/13/2006] Locate your Army Family Action Plan Program Manager.

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