Success Stories

AFAP is results driven.

These entitlements and benefits illustrate the power of AFAP as a grassroots process that gets results. You can review details of these and other issues by accessing the Active AFAP Issue Search application at MyArmyOnesource.com, under the Family Programs tab.

• Increased Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Soldiers can now elect up to 400K in SGLI insurance.
• ID Cards for Reserve Dependents An AFAP issue provided for the issuance of ID Cards to Reserve dependents throughout Servicemembers’ careers; not just during calls to Active Duty.
• Unlimited Commissary Privileges for Reserve Component Reserve Component Servicemembers and their Families now have unlimited Commissary benefits, thanks to AFAP.
• Family Readiness Support Assistants AFAP actions resulted in funding government staff at Brigade and Battalion level to provide administrative support to Family Readiness Groups.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) An AFAP issue granted Servicemembers access to the federal government’s TSP retirement plan.
• Reimbursement of Volunteer Expenses AFAP efforts led to development of policies and guidance to reimburse volunteers for travel, childcare, and mileage expenses associated with their official volunteer duties.
• TRICARE Dental for Reserve Component Reserve Component Servicemembers and their Families can now use the TRICARE Dental Program originally designed for Active Duty Families.

Army Family Action Plan (AFAP)

What is AFAP?

• The Army’s primary tool to communicate to leaders issues of importance to Soldiers, Retirees, Family members, and civilians.
• The “people’s perspective” of adjustments and improvements that will improve recruitment, retention, and work-life satisfaction.
• A way to address the demands of Army life by identifying quality of life “hot spots” as the Army transforms and continues to engage in contingency operations.
• One of the ways Army leaders demonstrate they care about the people who make up the Army Family.

What is an AFAP Issue?

Any issue that affects the readiness and quality of life of our Soldiers and/or their Families.

What types can I submit?

Issue categories include, but are not limited to:

• Benefits and Entitlements — addresses pay and benefits allowances
• Family Programs — addresses Family Support Groups, spouse Education, and other Family programs/services
• Child, Youth & School Services — addresses issues affecting child care and Teen programs
• Medical and Dental — addresses physical health, TRICARE, and Dental concerns
• Force Support — addresses Soldier enlistment, personnel actions and Soldier support

How do I submit an Issue?

Any Soldier, Retiree, Family member, or civilian can submit an AFAP issue. To do this, consider the following as you decide what you want to share: AFAP issues contain three sections – a title, scope, and recommendation. Anyone reading the issue should understand what the problem is, why it’s a problem, and what will fix it.

When writing, use the following format to organize information to describe the issue:

• Title: A short title stating what you want to fix. Title should be clear enough to identify what you are talking about.
• Scope: Who and what does the issue affect? Provide a concise paragraph with three or four sentences identifying the problem (who and what it affects) and the impact on the issue.
• Recommendation: How do you want to fix the problem? State one end result that will resolve the problem.
• Form: Click here to download and fill out AFAP Issue Form. Then attach the filled-out form to the email.

Where do I submit Issues?

Contact your Army Reserve Family Programs Office or submit your issue via email here.

What happens to Issues after submission?

• Issues are researched to determine if it is an active issue or has already been addressed/resolved.
• Local command conducts issue review to determine if resolvable at that level.
• Local Commander makes decision to elevate to a higher level (Army Reserve or Headquarters, Department of the Army) if unable to resolve.
• Select issues are evaluated by HQDA and forwarded to Army command focus groups for further review and prioritization.
• Top issues selected by Army command focus groups are submitted for entry into the AFAP and senior leader review process.