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Military OneSource aids servicemembers, dependents

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt Katherine Kebisek
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AMCNS) --  With deployments, permanent change of stations, tax season and everyday family and relationship issues, Airmen and their families have more than their share of things to be stressed about. But no matter what the issue, Military OneSource is available to help.

Military OneSource provides information and resources on a variety of issues ranging from everyday concerns to deployment and reintegration. The service is funded by the Department of Defense and is available to active duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen and their families 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

The program was introduced to the Air Force in February 2004 with the intent of creating a way to reach military Guard and Reserve members who were not located near active duty resources. While reaching the Guard and Reserve is still a goal, Military Onesource has expanded and is now being used by many active duty members.

The resources provided by Military OneSource are available by calling a consultant or going online.

“We are always looking at different ways to reach people,” said Senior Master Sgt. Travis Barker, superintendent, Air Mobility Command Family Matters. “The more ways we can reach our folks, the better.”

With today’s young people being so technologically savvy, an online resource is a good way to reach those people who may not feel comfortable or may not have time to seek help from traditional sources, such as the Family Support Center or Life Skills. Military OneSource is by no means a replacement for other agencies, but rather a good augmentation to other services, said Sergeant Barker.

A person doesn’t have to be a technological wizard to use the site though; the variety of resources is presented in an organized, user-friendly manner. Visitors can sign up for newsletters, take online courses, watch educational videos, and even participate in message boards with other military members and their families.

In addition to the online features, Military OneSource can be accessed by calling a toll-free number.

“When you call, you talk to a master’s level consultant,” said Sergeant Barker. “Somebody with a master’s degree usually averages about five years experience in their profession … they are trained consultants, not someone with a checklist.” Military OneSource is able to handle calls in over 140 languages, so even family members who don’t speak English have access to the services. The consultants also answer email and usually respond within 24 hours.

Among the many features on the site, the two that have garnered the most attention in the past year have been the addition of free TurboTax software and free face-to-face sessions with a counselor.

This is the first year TurboTax has been available on Military OneSource, and more than 100,000 people have taken advantage of the free tax software and e-filing.

The availability of up to six, face-to-face sessions with a professional counselor in the local area has also become a popular service. The sessions are offered per issue and are for non-clinical issues such as relationships, parenting, stress management, dealing with grief and divorce or separation.

“I think [professional counseling sessions] are a huge victory for the Air Force,” said Sergeant Barker. “With the war and deployments going on, this is an important tool to help families deal with separation and family issues.”

To access Military OneSource, go to www.militaryonesource.com or call 1-800-707-5784 (US)/800-7075-7844 (overseas).