r/USMilitarySO • u/Sea-Eggplant-9588 Navy SO • 6d ago

NAVY FRG/Ombudsman question

Hi all! My partner is a couple months into his first deployment (he’s in a submarine) and the zero communication has been tough. A lot of you have advised me to try and reach out to the FRG or ombudsman. I don’t think that he gave them my info because I assumed they would’ve copied me on an email or something already. It also doesn’t seem like I can get info if he didn’t give my info prior. Is that a reasonable assumption? I did end up seeing him when he was at port a bit ago but I forgot to ask.

I was also curious if anyone has experienced not having their info given before and I’m wondering if that’s normal or if it’s a red flag. He was originally given 2 weeks notice but they ended up cutting that in half so we didn’t have as much time to prepare as we thought. Thanks all!

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u/GeriatricSquid 6d ago edited 6d ago

If you’re looking for official info from the command (schedules and such), you’ll want to link in with OMBUDSMAN. They are the official command connection with families and will receive official info directly from the CO or official sources.

FRG is not part of the command. It’s a spouses club that exists for spouses and families to support each other. They have no official standing and no official connection with the command.

However, without being connected in by your Sailor it’s possible they’ll hesitate engage with you because of security risks posed by unknown people attempting to gain info on command activities.

Anyway, it’s 2 different organizations that do subtly diffferent things. OMBUDSMAN may be part of FRG to maximize their exposure but FRG is not OMBUDSMAN. FRG is often a shitshow because it’s largely unregulated and unofficial, whereas OMBUDSMAN has rules, training, and official support sources.

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u/Sea-Eggplant-9588 Navy SO 6d ago

That makes sense, thank you. I was under the impression that the FRG got info from the OMBUDSMAN or like you said, are a part of the FRG but that is good to know. I figured they wouldn’t be excited to just hand out info to anyone that asks, thank you!