Navy Updates Family Care Plan Protocols

Reflecting input from the fleet, the Navy is making changes in its Family Care Plan process. Family care plans require each sailor and officer to complete a form that designates who would provide for children during periods of absence. Under the new guidelines, family-care designees must be at least 21 years old, capable of taking care of themselves as well as the minors for whom they are responsible, and agreeable to taking care of more than one family member if necessary. They also cannot be members of the uniformed services. More details are spelled out in NAVADMIN 281/14, available the Navy Personnel Command Web site at www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc.