R 181324Z JAN 13

ALCOAST 019/13
COMDTNOTE 1750
SUBJ: PROMULGATION OF COAST GUARD OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM, COMDTINST
1750.4E
A. COAST GUARD OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM, COMDTINST 1750.4 (SERIES)
1.  This ALCOAST announces the promulgation of the most recent
version of REF A, effective 14 January 2013.  REF A is a complete
rewrite of the Coast Guard Ombudsman Program policy.  It should be
reviewed in its entirety by senior leadership at all commands and a
copy should be provided to all command ombudsmen.  REF A is available
for download at the following websites: CGWeb:
http://cgweb.comdt.uscg.mil/CGDirectives/Welcome.htm and CGPortal:
https://cgportal2.uscg.mil/library/directives/SitePages/Home.aspx.
2.  REF A was streamlined to include only program policy.  The Coast
Guard Ombudsman Training Manual and the Command Cadre Tool Kit
provide amplifying implementation information and sample materials.
Both will be available at www.uscg.mil/ombudsman upon release by
Commandant (CG-1112).
3.  Major changes in REF A include:
     A.  Adding the requirement that ombudsmen will be the spouse of
a
member of the unit.
     B.  Adding the requirement for all commanding
officers/officers-in-charge (COs/OICs) to ensure that all family
members will have access to an ombudsman.
     C.  Establishing new requirements for Commandant (CG-1112) to
publish and maintain a Coast Guard Ombudsman Training Manual, ensure
the ombudsman program effectively addresses family readiness issues,
establish and maintain an ombudsman website for data collection, and
establish an ombudsman locator for the general public.
     D.  Aligning the Regional Ombudsman Coordinators (ROC) to their
respective Area Commanders.  The ROCs will address ombudsman program
service delivery and implementation issues and provide advice and
counsel on work-life and other individual and family support programs
to the Area Commanders.
     E.  Adding new and clarifying requirements for Area, District,
Sector and Base commanders, and the Superintendent of the Coast Guard
Academy, to appoint an ombudsman for their staff.
     F.  Establishing the requirement for District commanders to
implement an Ombudsman Community of Practice and assign a
chairperson.  Also disestablishes District Ombudsman Program Advisory
Committees.
     G.  Adding and clarifying requirements for COs/OICs.  Requires
COs/OICs to ensure that family members have access to the services of
an ombudsman and includes provisions for smaller commands to share
ombudsman services with Area, District, Sector or Base commands.
Establishes waiver request procedures and selection criteria to name
persons other than active duty or reserve spouses as ombudsmen.
Requires commands to provide official command rosters to ombudsmen,
to establish specific funding resources for ombudsman support, and to
provide a detailed listing of command support requirements (including
clarification of communication equipment and services that are
authorized and guidance on funding reimbursement and travel
expenses).  Requires commands to ensure ombudsmen attend training
within three months after appointment.
     H.  Expanding and clarifying Health, Safety, and Work-Life
Regional Managers and Ombudsman Coordinators responsibilities
regarding the Ombudsman Program.
4.  Commandant (CG-111) POC for the Coast Guard Ombudsman Program is
Ms. Christine Degraw at 202-475-5142, or
christine.m.degraw(at)uscg.mil.  Alternatively, you may contact CDR
Jerry Mahlau-Heinert at the Health, Safety and Work-Life Service
Center by calling 757-628-4795.
5.  Released by RADM Maura K. Dollymore, Director of Health, Safety
and Work-Life.
6.  Internet release authorized.