The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) - What is it? 

The EFMP is a Department of the Army program designed to assist military personnel agencies in making assignments for the Soldier, accompanied by Family members as often as possible, based on the documented medical and special education needs of the Soldier's Exceptional Family Member (EFM). When possible, Soldiers are assigned to duty locations where the medical and special education needs of their EFM can be met. It is important to understand that this is dependent upon a valid personnel requirement for the Soldier's grade, specialty, and eligibility for the tour. All Soldiers are still eligible for worldwide and unaccompanied assignments.

The EFMP works together with other military and civilian agencies to provide a comprehensive, coordinated, multiagency approach for community support, housing, medical, educational and personnel services to Families with special needs. Enrollment into the EFMP works to ensure that needed services are available at the gaining installation BEFORE the military personnel office (Human Resources Command - HRC) assigns the Soldier to that new duty location. Enrollment into the EFMP is mandatory, based on carefully defined rules. The EFMP operates under the provisions of AR 608-75.

Do You Have an Exceptional Family Member (EFM)?

An EFM is a Family member, regardless of age (child or adult), with any physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual disorder that requires special treatment, therapy, education, training or counseling. The Family member must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to be enrolled in the EFMP. A Soldier who has a Family member who falls into any of these categories MUST be enrolled in the program.