Expanding the definition of ‘People First’ to address EMFP concerns
Chaplain (Col.) Geoff Bailey
The Exceptional Family Member Program works to help Soldiers and their Families receive any specialized care they may need. (Fort Knox)
The Army Chief of Staff (CSA), Gen. James McConville, defines people as our No. 1 priority with his mantra, “People First.” If the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is any indicator of how the Army defines “People First,” then Inigo Montoya’s infamous line, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means,” from “The Princess Bride” applies to the Army. The CSA knows what he means; it is the EFMP system that requires a better understanding of his intent.
General McConville’s memorandum to the force on Aug. 13, 2020, stated, “People are always my No. 1 priority…Our Army’s people are our greatest strength and our most important weapon system…We must take care of our people and treat each other with dignity and respect. It is our people who will deliver on our readiness, modernization, and reform efforts.” He is making good on that promise, leading a cultural change regarding talent management, diversity, and balancing operational needs with demands on personnel and their families. The CSA’s emphasis also includes addressing critical aspects of the EFMP.
https://www.armytimes.com/opinion/commentary/2021/03/10/expanding-the-definition-of-people-first-to-address-emfp-concerns/
