Operation Military Kids is the U.S. Army's collaborative effort with America's communities to support the children and youth impacted by deployment.  This initiative was officially launched in April 2005. and youth of families that are impacted by the wartime efforts of our country.

Operation Military Kids, as part of the 4-H/Army Youth Development Project, is a vital part of the Army Integrated Family Support Network (AIFSN) delivery system.

The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has provided funding to the 4-H Army Youth Development Project to strengthen and expand Operation: Military Kids programs and services to millitary youth in 15 states.  Nine states which are already implementing OMK programs and six new states are involved in this Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP) initiative.

Through this JFSAP initiative, OMK programs in these states will be expected to provide support and assistance to geographically dispersed youth and families of all military personnel in this state.  This means that the OMK program will work with both Active Duty and Reserve Components of Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.

OMK is a collaborative outreach initiative by Army Child and Youth Services, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National 4-H Program, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, The American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and the military child Education coalition to provide support and assistance to military youth and their families- on installations or geographically dispersed in communities.

and teenaged youth and connects them to support resources where they live. Through OMK, Military Youth can: Participate in a range of recreational, social & educational programs Gain leadership, organizational, and techincal skills by participating in the Speak Out for Military Kids program or  Mobile Techonology Lab programs Attend single day or weekend camps Meet other youth who are also experiencing deployment