Forum offers platform for feedback

By Army Family Action PlanSeptember 13, 2018

Forum offers platform for feedback
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VICENZA, Italy -- The Army Family Action Plan (AFAP) is the military family's platform to voice quality-of-life issues, feedback, ideas and suggestions.

It's the best way to let Army leadership know about what works, what doesn't, and how you think problems can be resolved. AFAP gives active and Reserve Component Soldiers, Army civilians, retirees, survivors and family members a primary tool to help identify issues and concerns and shape standards of living.

The program identifies critical issues concerning welfare and morale and presents them to senior Army leadership for resolution. Since AFAP was created in 1983, 714 issues have been submitted, resulting in 129 legislative changes, 193 Department of Defense or Army policy changes and 214 improved programs or services. Some examples of AFAP successes Armywide include:

•Service member's Group Life Insurance increased from $50,000 to $400,000

•Thrift Savings Plan was authorized

•Creation of the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Program

To submit an issue or suggestion, fill out the form (cut out from page 4). A few tips: a separate sheet must be completed for each issue; the issue cannot involve a local matter (submit those through your local installation Interactive Customer Evaluation [ICE] webpage, http://ice.disa.mil/); and the issue should be something that has Armywide impact.

All issues submitted are considered and worked until resolution, unless they are deemed unattainable. Keep in mind that it may take some time for the results of your issue to be seen.

The "Issue Title" should be a brief summary of the issue or problem, not a sentence. Make sure to be specific -- the title should tell the reader what the issue is all about, i.e. "tuition assistance for overseas spouses."

"Scope" is a clear and concise statement describing the issue, why it's a problem and whom it affects. The scope should be written in paragraph form (three to four sentences long). State the problem, provide facts or additional information, and say why the issue is important.

Under "Recommendation(s)," list practical recommendations for what you want to happen to "fix" the issue or problem identified in the scope. Use strong action verbs (e.g. provide, conduct, develop, fund, build), and remember there is a limit of three or fewer recommendations per issue. An example of a well-written recommendation is as follows: "Develop a tuition assistance program for overseas spouses."

AFAP accepts issues on an ongoing basis; however, to have an issue considered for fiscal year 2018, deadline is Oct. 8. Scan and email this form to AFAP Program Manager, Stephanie A. Cummins, Stephanie.A.Cummins5.civ@mail.mil, or drop form off at the front desk of Army Community Service, Building 108 on Caserma Ederle.

Anyone with questions or needing assistance may contact Cummins at 0444-71-8138.

Related Links:

USAG Italy Facebook page

USAG Italy website