The Command Family Ombudsman Program belongs to the command. To a great extent, the shape and direction of the program depend on the commanding officer’s perceptions of the needs of the command. The CO appoints the Ombudsman, who works under his/her guidance. The CO determines the priorities of the program, the roles and relationships of those involved in it, and the type and level of support it will receive. The ef- fectiveness of the Ombudsman Program is measured  by  the  service  it  provides  to  the command and the command’s families. The Navy  Family  Ombudsman  Manual, NAVPERS 15571, provides a section containing suggestions on how to help maximize the benefits of an Ombudsman Program through your support of the Ombudsman. You only have to make one deployment  to  appreciate  the  efforts  of  an Ombudsman. The Navy Family Ombudsman Program, OP- NAVINST 1750. 1B, and the  Navy  Family Ombudsman Manual, NAVPERS 15571, outline the policies and procedures of the Navy Family Ombudsman  Program. CASUALTY  ASSISTANCE CALLS PROGRAM You may be asked to serve as the Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) at some point in your career. This section of the chapter will explain  the  purpose  of  the  program  and  the general duties of the CACO. Purpose of the Program The broad purpose of the Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) is to offer support to the next of kin of Navy members involved in a casualty. The CACP offers support in the following ways: Assuring the next of kin of the Navy’s interest in their well-being Showing concern for members reported missing while the search for them is underway Extending sympathy in the case of death Helping  survivors  adjust  to  the  new conditions these tragic circumstances have imposed upon them The Navy seeks to accomplish this through personal visits by a uniformed Navy representative called a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO). (Only an officer with a minimum of 2 years of active duty or a qualified senior enlisted member of paygrade E-7 or above may serve as a CACO.) Persons given the task of CACO normally assume this responsibility as their primary duty;    it  takes  precedence  over  all other assigned duties. Casualty Assistance Calls Program (CACP) Manual, NAVMILPERSCOM- INST 1770.1, explains the detailed responsibilities of the CACO and the procedures for operating the  program.  Casualty  Assistance  Calls  and Funeral Honors Support (CAC/FHS) Program Coordination, OPNAVINST 1770.1, contains the command  coordination  responsibilities  for  the Casualty Assistance Calls and Funeral Honors Support Program. The Casually Assistance Calls Officer Manual, NAVPERS 15607, provides detailed duties of the CACO, provides a check list for use when visiting next of kin, and provides a list of helping resources. Duties of the CACO The duties of the CACO range from making an initial personal visit to the family to helping the family fill out all required paper work for entitlements. Specific responsibilities include the following: to  make  personal  notification  to  the next of kin that their relative is dead, un- accounted for—duty status-whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN), or reported missing; to provide a brief explanation of the circumstances; to provide updated information regarding remains of deceased or search efforts for a DUSTWUN person. to express to the next of kin of those who have died, the Navy’s condolences, concern in the case of members in a DUSTWUN or missing status, and continued support for the next of kin during  their  adjustment  to  their  unfortunate circumstances. to extend by assessing the assistance  and necessary. assistance to the next of kin need for immediate financial follow-up  arrangements  as AFLOAT  RECREATION Morale,  welfare,  and  recreation  programs (MWR) provide a comprehensive approach to the 6-3 NAVY  WELFARE/RECREATION/