Any references other than AR 600-8-10 and Army Directive 2019-05?

2019-07-07T19:01:51-04:00

I was on ordinary leave in CA with my wife when she went into labor 12 weeks early, at 28 weeks pregnant. Now our daughter was born (on the 4th of July of course) and is currently in the NICU and will be there for quite some time (8-10 weeks). The doctor has recommended I stay here IOT provide physical and emotional support for my wife and daughter until she is released from the NICU, and I would like to abide by that recommendation.

Other than using my 3 weeks paternity leave and begging my CDR to let me use my personal leave to remain here, are there any opportunities here for Medical TDY and/or grounds for emergency leave until my daughter is at least stable here in the NICU?

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jul 7 at 2019 7:29 PM

2019-07-07T19:29:25-04:00

Emergency leave isn't extra leave...
Maybe permissive TDY?

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 7 at 2019 7:45 PM

2019-07-07T19:45:34-04:00

Wow!
I was 10 weeks early at 4ibs and 9 ozs and now, you can tell, I haven't missed a meal in a while.
First, congrats on the birth of your beautiful daughter and prayers for a quick recovery for both.
This is the time you are completely honest with your chain of command and let them know the full situation and see how they can support this. I know when I was in command I took joy in helping good soldiers in times of need, even if it really hurt my unit operationally, especially if it is a few weeks. It was a point of pride to demonstrate my commitment, I hope your Command feels the same way. A birth falls within emergency leave guidelines.
You can also go the Chaplin & JAG office and ask these same questions and they maybe able to assist.
God Speed and prayers to you, your family, especially your daughter.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Jul 7 at 2019 8:49 PM

2019-07-07T20:49:24-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Other than the regulation & directive, it would local policy. I agree with LTC John Shaw and speaking with your unit. However, a birth by itself is not considered an emergency; however, it doesn't this birth isn't. Just like the Colonel said, talk to your leadership.

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Jul 8 at 2019 8:21 AM

2019-07-08T08:21:13-04:00

You should qualify for permissive TDY of up to 30 days (in 10 day increments) as long as the Dr. is recommending your presence. Technically, since this is going past 30 days you should be considered for a compassionate reassignment. The other option, if can perform duties, and still assist with your daughter, is to attach you the local installation. The kick off point for the permissive TDY would be your Commander. For attachment go to your local installation's personnel shop and talk to the person who processes compassionate reassignment requests. While they would normally attach you to process the compassionate realignment, the installation might also work the DA Compassionate reassignment to attach you for 10 weeks to remedy the problem.