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FFSCs Provide Training for Command Sponsors

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100909-07
9/9/2010

From Commander, Navy Installations Command, Navy Family Readiness Program Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Command Sponsor Program is the subject of the vice chief of naval operations' (VCNO) latest family gram message, FAMILYGRAM 06-10.

Commander, Navy Installations Commands (CNIC) provides training to sponsors through Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSCs).

"A smooth transition provides Sailors and families the greatest opportunity for a successful and productive tour of duty," according to VCNO Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, in the family gram. "The command sponsor program is one of the most important quality-of-life programs for Sailors and families who are relocating under permanent change of station orders."

Sponsorship training is available to Sailors E-5 and above and officers. Training is offered at a command's local FFSC. Attendees are provided materials which walk them through their likely experience as a sponsor. To-do checklists and timelines are provided, one for Sailors with families and one for Sailors without. Sponsors are also provided examples of emails to send to inbound Sailors.

Those are the basics, and they are good to know, but the larger benefit to the training is learning about the local resources and programs, according to Dede O'Rourke, relocation program manager for CNIC's FFSC program.

"It's a good idea to attend sponsor training, even if you've attended at another command," said O'Rourke. "Every FFSC is different, but they generally try to bring in local contacts from organizations, such as Morale, Welfare and Recreation or the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society."

Attending training at a local FFSC also gives sponsors a chance to see and learn more about what their local FFSC has to offer Sailors and families, said O'Rourke.

Commands who want to have several Sailors attend training at one time can request that their local FFSC conduct training on board the command.

More information about the Command Sponsorship Program is in Greenert's latest family gram: http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/94F08E79-E498-43E9-9089-B3CEBEEF27D4/0/NAV10289.txt.

To locate your local FFSC for information about sponsorship training, visit http://www.ffsp.navy.mil and click on "Find your local Fleet and Family Support Center."