‘Families First’ Hits Snag

The Families First program that was scheduled to kick off Oct. 1 has been delayed until Feb. 1, 2006, due to technical difficulty in meeting computer security requirements of the Defense Information Systems Agency. Customer service surveys already have begun and will be incorporated into the program, said officials. Features slated to begin Feb. 1: Web-based claim filing directly with the carrier; full replacement value for lost or damaged items; direct communication between service members and their carrier to arrange delivery of household goods; and choice of carrier based on performance rather than the lowest bid. The program will be operated by the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, which handles military moves for all services.