Which Exceptional Family Member (EFM) category allows family members to be stationed overseas?

Category 2 of the Exceptional Family Member (EFM) program is specifically designed to allow family members who have certain medical or special needs to be stationed overseas, provided that adequate services and support are available at the overseas location.

Those classified under Category 2 typically do not require specialized education or exceptional medical care but may have some conditions that the military nursing facility can address. This categorization ensures that families with members who have minor issues can still enjoy the opportunity to be stationed in international locations while ensuring their needs are taken into account.

In contrast, other categories, such as Category 1, primarily involve family members who need extensive care or services that may not be readily available overseas, hence they are generally not authorized for overseas assignments. Category 3 and Category 4 identify families that may have conditions requiring limited support or additional specialist care, further restricting their ability to relocate abroad. This context is essential to understanding how the EFM program supports military families while balancing operational readiness.