DOD INSTRUCTION 1315.19
T
HE EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM (EFMP)
Originating Component: Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
Effective: April 19, 2017
Releasability: Cleared for public release. Available on the DoD Issuances Website at
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives.
Reissues and Cancels: DoD Instruction 1315.19, “Authorizing Special Needs Family Members
Travel Overseas at Government Expense,” December 20, 2005, as
amended
Approved by: A. M. Kurta, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of Defense for
Personnel and Readiness
Purpose: In accordance with the authority in DoD Directive (DoDD) 5124.02, this issuance:
• Establishes the EFMP and establishes policy, provides guidance, assigns responsibilities, and
prescribes procedures for:
o Identifying a family member with special needs who is eligible for services as defined in this
instruction.
o Coordinating travel at government expense for family members of active duty Service members
who are identified with a medical condition that requires coordination with the appropriate medical
office of the Service members projected assignment or duty location or those with an early intervention
or special education plan that meet the DoD criteria for special education needs.
o Processing DoD civilian employees who have family members with special needs for an
overseas assignment.
o Providing family support services to military families with special needs.
• Establishes a system of monitoring and assigns oversight responsibilities for the EFMP.
• Authorizes the development of implementing guidance and forms necessary for the operation of the
EFMP in accordance with this instruction.
