Exceptional Family Members Program at Fort Irwin
An Exceptional Family Member (EFM) is any DEERs eligible Family Member (adult or child) who requires more support than normally provided by a family practitioner in an outpatient clinic setting, or receives any special education services.
You will need to create a DS Logon. Please visit the link below to create one. Also, make sure your Milconnect is updated.
https://myaccess.dmdc.osd.mil/identitymanagement/registration.do?execution=e1s1
What is the Exceptional Family Member Program?
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated medical, educational, housing, community support, and personnel services to families with special needs.
Examples of qualifying serious or chronic medical problems, physical disabilities, and/or behavioral health disorders:
- ADD/ADHD
- Allergies
- Asthma (#1 Medical enrolling condition)
- Autism
- Cancer
- Cerebral Palsy
- Delayed Speech (#1 Educational enrolling condition)
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Esophageal Reflux
- Fibromyalgia
- Hearing problems
- Heart Conditions/Hypertension
- Intensive Follow-up Support such as high risk newborns
- Loss of Mobility: requiring use of a wheelchair/walker or other aide, or requirement of single story housing
- Lupus
- Migraines
- Special Education
- Thyroid Disorders
Note: This listing is not meant to be all-inclusive. Check with Ft. Irwin’s Medical EFMP office for additional diagnoses and criteria for enrollment.
Who must enroll in the program?
The following Soldiers with exceptional Family Members must enroll in the program:
- Active Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard
- U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) soldiers in the USAR-Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program and other USAR soldiers on active duty exceeding 30 days
- Army National Guard (AGR) personnel serving under authority of title 10, United States Code
NOTE: Department of the Army civilian employees do not enroll in the program. However, they must identify dependents with special needs each time they process for an assignment to a location outside the United States where dependent travel is authorized at Government expense.
When do I enroll my Family Member?
Enrollment should be made as soon as a special need(s) is identified. Enrollment must be completed BEFORE the Soldier is on levy in order for the program to “work”.
How does a Soldier enroll in the program?
All EFMP related processes must be initiated through the E-EFMP portal by the service member @ Enterprise EFMP (E-EFMP): https://efmp.army.mil/EnterpriseEfmp/.
The Soldier or Family Member can contact the nearest military medical treatment facility EFMP point of contact to obtain additional information. The Soldier is also responsible for updating the enrollment every three years for medical and/or education, or as medical or educational conditions change. Additionally, the Soldier must dis-enroll their Family Member from the EFMP and from DEERs due to death or divorce.
Does enrollment have any impact on a Soldier's career?
Enrollment in EFMP does not adversely affect selection for promotion, schools or assignment. Information concerning enrollment in EFMP, or any of the data used in the program, is NOT available to selection boards.
Are special education needs always considered in MILPO’s reassignment process?
Special education needs are only considered in assignments outside the United States. Assignments within our 50 States and Trust Territories are not based on the educational needs of children. Every local school system must obey public laws regarding the provision of special education. Special education services on Ft. Irwin are extremely limited. Many comprehensive services are only available in the Barstow, Victorville or San Bernardino area (40-120 miles one-way).
Please note: You should hand-carry ALL educational records, including Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with you. Do not ship them in your household goods. Do not rely on them to be “forwarded” by the school. If possible, please contact (760) 383-5271 prior to coming to Ft. Irwin for additional information as to housing and transportation issues.
EFMP & Me
Introducing EFMP & Me, a tool for military families with special needs to access information and resources anywhere, anytime. Use this step-by-step tutorial to set up your free EFMP & Me account and tailor it for your family. Learn more at https://efmpandme.militaryonesource.mil/.