Command Sponsorship

Command Sponsorship

 

In simple terms, Command Sponsorship means that Family members are approved to accompany Soldier Outside the Continental U.S. (OCONUS) for the length of his or her tour. Command Sponsorship of dependents is not guaranteed. However, Soldier must apply for Command Sponsorship, which includes an EFMP Screening of each family member, and then obtain approval from Soldier’s gaining command in Europe prior to traveling overseas with family.

 


 

Am I Command Sponsored?

After applying for Command Sponsorship, PCS orders will include or amended to address the following:

Accompanied Tour (with dependents): Means Command Sponsorship is approved for family and SM is eligible for a fully-funded move overseas as well as for other benefits. The full name of each Command Sponsored dependent must be listed on assignment orders. Orders will indicate type of dependent travel:

  • Concurrent travel (with or within 60 days of Soldier)
  • Deferred travel (61 or more days after Soldier)

Unaccompanied Tour (without dependents): An unaccompanied tour means that Command Sponsorship of dependents is denied. Denial of Command Sponsorship is often due to a duty station location with limited family resources or insufficient support for dependents with special needs.

What benefits does command sponsorship provide?

Only Command Sponsored dependents are authorized:

  • No-Fee Passport.
  • Travel: Soldier receives travel allowances and reimbursements for Command Sponsored family.
  • Cost of Living: Soldier receives special overseas allowances at a higher “with dependent” rate.
  • HHG Shipment: Soldier receives a higher “with dependent” weight allowance for household goods.
  • Housing Eligibility.
  • Attendance at DoDEA schools (non-Command sponsored children may attend if space is available).
  • Access to on post services and facilities such as postal service, Commissary, PX, & health clinic.
  • Employment: Dependents must be Command Sponsored to apply for employment on post.

 


 

Application

After receiving a Request for Orders (RFO) or actual assignment orders, Soldier should immediately request Command Sponsorship of each dependent. Family members will complete an EFMP screening as part of the application. Family members must be granted Command Sponsorship before traveling overseas.

1. Attend Levy Brief & Start Packet

Before PCS orders are issued, Soldier must schedule to attend a levy brief. The levy brief is where most Soldiers start the Command Sponsorship application for their dependents. Levy briefs provide instructions for PCSing and cover topics such as:

  • Command Sponsorship application process.
  • No-Fee Passport.
  • Overseas travel/pay allowances.
  • Booking travel.
  • Shipping household goods (HHG) & vehicles.
  • PCSing with kids or pets.

2. Complete EFMP Screening

Before your family can be approved for Command Sponsorship, each family member must complete an EFMP Screening of their medical records to ensure that new unit can support family’s needs. This process can take up to 90 days, so start right away!

3. Review PCS Orders

If Command Sponsorship of your family is approved, review PCS orders to:

  • Ensure each dependent’s name is listed correctly.
  • Check if family travel is deferred or concurrent.

Command Sponsorship Packet

  1. PCS Orders.
  2. DA 4187 Command Sponsorship Request Form.
  3. Enlisted or Officer Record Brief (ERB or ORB).
  4. DA 5888 Family EFMP Form with EFMP Stamp (or DA 5888-1 if in remote area requiring civilian doctor).
    o DD 2792 (if Medical EFMP Plan needed).
    o DD 2792-1 + IFSP/IEP (if Education EFMP Plan needed).
    NOTE: EFMP Form is valid for 1 year once stamped.
  5. Copy of Marriage and Birth Certificates of dependents.
  6. Proof of child custody court documents (Minors must reside with Soldier a minimum of six months per year).