OCONUS Assignment and EFMP screening?

[happyholiday]

Thanks for the advice!

[G22]

I just went through this as we are heading to Germany as well in a few months. I'm pregnant and will be delivering over there, so I had to go through the EFMP as part of my medical clearance. Someone else can correct me if I'm wrong since I'm so new to the OCONUS stuff, but my understanding was they just wanted evaluate the needs I would have while there and that it was documented. I didn't really get the idea that I might not be cleared due to it.

But again, I'm not 100% on that, so hopefully someone else will chime in who has done the process too.

How exciting though! We are so excited to go over there as well!

[VillainV]

My understanding of EFMP is that it helps to keep continuity of care from your old base to your new base (so you don't need to go back through the process of getting referrals again, etc). Depending on where you are in Germany, all of the services you need SHOULD be readily available, so I highly doubt they will cancel his assignment because of that. But if you were going someplace else (like an exchange assignment to a foreign country with little to no US mil presence, or an embassy job or whatever), and resources WOULDN'T be available, then they could potentially rescind the assignment. Heck, there are even stateside locations where some people with special needs don't get assigned because they are so remote the services aren't available.

Honestly, in your situation, I wouldn't be worried.

[happyholiday]

Thanks for the responses! This is very reassuring. I've been reading so many negative stories online.

[audette]

I remember getting super-stressed about the EFMP screening for DH's assignment to Korea (where there are much fewer services available). It all was a non-issue, and I was cleared to go over with DH.


So, it's not all negative.


We'd _love_ a European assignment of any kind. I hope you guys get to enjoy every bit of it!

[NomadicMama]

It sounds as though you should pass the EFMP screening.

That said, the policy has nothing to do with "fair". It has to do with providing appropriate care and support to family members. I have depression and ADHD. We were in Germany for three years and I struggled to find decent care for my mental health needs. I was fine when we moved but over time, I needed adjustments and it was a challenge to find a doctor who could help me. Don't take the policy personally. It's there to ensure the wellbeing of all.

I hope it works out for you. Our time in Germany was incredible, not always easy, but that's to be expect d with an overseas assignment.