COMDTINST 1750.4D
6. GOALS.
a. The primary goals of the Ombudsman Program are to:
(1) Support the unit mission by creating and maintaining lines of communication from the
command to families as well as from families to the command. Communications are best
conducted through the chain-of command;
(2) Assist in identifying unit needs for support services and provide appropriate referral services
before family concerns and problems reach crisis proportions;
(3) Reduce social isolation among family members by providing direct communication to
families (i.e., newsletters or email news), thus enhancing a feeling of belonging, control, and
self-esteem within Coast Guard families;
(4) Provide information about available resources by referring family members to appropriate
service providers in an effort to promote self-reliance;
(5) Facilitate and promote a healthy sense of community among Coast Guard members and their
family members within the unit;
(6) Serve as a principal source of assistance and support to Coast Guard families during times of
local or national emergency, mobilization, deployment or evacuation;
(7) Support mission readiness by preventing or reducing family stressors and freeing Coast
Guard personnel from family concerns so they are able to focus on the mission of the service;
and
(8) Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
7. WHO MAY VOLUNTEER AS AN OMBUDSMAN.
a.
The appointed unit Ombudsmen normally should not be the spouse or family member of the
Commanding Officer, Officer-In-Charge, Executive Officer, Executive Petty Officer or
Command Master Chief, in accordance with reference (d). Voluntary service as an Ombudsman
may be accepted from the spouse of a unit member, Coast Guard Reservists and/or their spouses,
or a Coast Guard Auxiliarist;
b. A Reserve or Auxiliary member may volunteer to serve as an Ombudsman if the CO/OINC so
chooses. While Reservists cannot use drill time to complete Ombudsman duties exclusively,
they may be assigned additional duties assisting the Ombudsman program or be appointed as the
Ombudsman Coordinator at an ISC. COs/OINCs are encouraged to select other volunteers, such
as active duty members, reservists, auxiliarists, and Work-Life staff members to assist with
Ombudsman program management. In an area where units are collocated and there are several
Ombudsmen, it can be beneficial to have one Ombudsman volunteer to assist the Ombudsman
Program Coordinator.
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