At any point, can you request a voluntary chapter 8?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 02:26:24 -0500

I’m on my last 2 weeks of maternity leave and I’m just now looking through the required documents for Family Care Plan. (Unit has yet to counsel me, even upon notice of my pregnancy. I never attended the P3T program due to not having one established at my station.) I have heard that you may request voluntary separation under a Chapter 8 but the documents are stating I will be subject to UCMJ if my family care plan fails. Has anyone had experience with this?

*currently stationed overseas and have give or take 3 months left until PCS to CONUS duty assignment*

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Mar 5 at 2020 8:55 AM

MSG Gary Eckert — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 08:55:08 -0500

At any point during your pregnancy you can change your election from remain on active to duty to separate under chapter 8. Once you have delivered, you no longer qualify for Chapter 8; however, you may qualify for Chapter 6, either para 6-3b (1) or (2).

Response by CPL Earl Kochis made Mar 5 at 2020 11:01 AM

CPL Earl Kochis — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 11:01:08 -0500

You need to be quick on this!! the MSG is correct you have a time limit!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2020 1:44 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 01:44:15 -0500

Read AR 635-200 Chapter 8 and the time frame is clearly spelled out there.