Evaluation Design for Department of Air Force Military and Family Readiness Programs: Considerations for Air Force Families Forever, Relocation Assistance Program, and Employment Assistance

Military service can be rewarding but also challenging for airmen, guardians, and their families. For example, frequent relocations require navigating housing and movement of household goods and can lead to difficulties for spouses wanting employment. Another aspect of military service that presents difficulties for family and friends is coping with a service members loss of life. To help address these challenges, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) has several programs that are implemented via Military and Family Readiness Centers (M and FRCs), namely the Relocation Assistance Program (RAP), Employment Assistance (EA), and Air Force Families Forever (AFFF). RAP provides education and referrals to assist airmen, guardians, and their families with issues surrounding permanent change of station (PCS) moves. EA supports service members, U.S. Department of Defense civilian employees, and family members in achieving employment. AFFF provides long-term information and referrals to eligible next of kin of deceased airmen and guardians. DAF Manpower, Personnel, and Services, Air Force Services (A1S), asked RAND Project AIR FORCE to assist with the design of evaluations for these programs.