Can your unit dictate when can you take your paternity leave because of deployment?

So - you originally held off taking paternity leave when you had the ability to take it because you chose to help Rear D? Is that right? That's how I read it.

You should have taken it when you had the chance initially. I'm not sure why you would have put helping Rear D above your child...but...to each his or her own.

It's up to the commander to approve or deny leave.

‘Use it or lose it’ applies in many situations:)

Your mistake was the earlier assumption, unless your Command Team has sympathy for your mistake you will deploy. Anytime you are making plans for anything that affects work you need to speak with leadership. I assure you it is the same on the outside as well.