A person who investigates complaints and mediates fair settlements, especially between aggrieved parties such as consumers or students and an institution or organization.

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.

NMCB23 OMBUDSMAN ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

NMCB23 Ombudsmen are spouses of Navy Reserve members of the command and are trained volunteers, appointed by the Commanding Officer, to serve as an information link between the command leadership and Navy families.  They disseminate information both up and down the chain of command, including official Navy Reserve and command information, local quality of life improvement opportunities, and "good deals" around the military and civilian community.

They also provide resource referrals when needed and coordinate services for families during deployment.  Ombudsmen, while maintaining confidentiality, are instrumental in resolving family issues before they require extensive command attention.

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OMBUDSMEN DO NOT ASSUME

Ombudsmen are advocates for both the command and command families and are trained to provide information and make referrals.  They are not social directors.  A spouse, family member or family support/readiness group conducts social activities if needed; however, it is appropriate for Ombudsmen to support and participate in these activities.

The Ombudsman, through training and experience, must empower family members to help themselves.

Ombudsmen responsibilites do not include: providing childcare, transporting people, lending money, allowing people to stay in their homes, doing for others what they must learn to do for themselves.

Ombudsman roles and responsibilities are as defined in the Department of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations, OPNAVINST 1750.1F.