EFMP & Family Support PCS Guide
How the Exceptional Family Member Program affects your PCS options — and how to navigate it before orders drop.
What Is EFMP?
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program for active-duty service members who have a family member with a special medical or educational need. This includes children with IEPs, family members receiving ongoing specialty care, and dependents with physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual needs that require specific services. Enrollment is not optional — it must be completed before PCS orders are processed, and failing to enroll when required can result in a PCS to an installation that cannot meet your family's documented needs.
The EFMP review process runs parallel to the normal orders process. Before orders are cut, the Military Personnel Center checks whether the gaining installation has the specific services your enrolled family member requires — the right therapy providers, medical specialists, school programs, or support staff. If the gaining installation cannot provide comparable services, the orders may be modified. This adds time to the PCS timeline but protects your family from arriving at a base that cannot support your needs.
EFMP PCS Timeline
Complete enrollment through your branch's family support center. Requires current medical/educational documentation no older than 12 months.
At least 90 days before expected orders, contact your installation EFMP coordinator so the gaining installation review can begin.
The Military Personnel Center verifies the gaining installation can meet your family's needs. Allow 30–60 days for this process.
Contact the school liaison at the gaining installation at least 60 days before arrival to prepare IEP continuity documentation.
Within 30 days of arrival, re-enroll with the EFMP coordinator at the gaining installation and establish care providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EFMP and who must enroll?
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory DoD enrollment program for service members who have a family member with a special medical or educational need. Enrollment is required for any qualifying dependent, and it must be completed before PCS orders are finalized. EFMP is coordinated through each branch's family support office — Army Community Service, Fleet and Family Support Center, Airman and Family Readiness Center, or Marine Family Services.
How does EFMP affect which duty stations I can be assigned to?
EFMP ensures that your gaining installation can meet your family member's documented needs before orders are cut. If the gaining installation cannot provide the required services — specific therapies, medical specialties, or school programs — the assignment may be modified or an alternate duty station selected. This process runs through the Military Personnel Center and can add 30–90 days to the orders timeline.
What happens to my child's IEP during a PCS move?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) transfers with the child across school districts, but the gaining school district is not required to replicate the exact same services — they must provide a "comparable" program. The school liaison officer at the gaining installation can help advocate for IEP continuity before the move. Contact the school liaison at least 60 days before the PCS to start this process.
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