How long does it normally take to find out if a deferment was approved or denied?

2019-05-27T07:56:12-04:00

How long does it usually take to know if a deferment is approved or denied? My husband submitted paperwork to defer his PCS for 60 days so he could be here when our son is born and to help with the other kids while I’m in the hospital. He submitted back in January and he hasn’t heard anything. He’s due to start clearing tomorrow with a report date in July. When he asks his COC they just say they “haven’t heard anything”. His 1sgt also told him not to contact branch or HRC and go through them for any status updates. Now I know it’s possible that it might be denied but shouldn’t someone know something by now? Should he take advantage of the open door policy and mention it to the battalion commander when he starts clearing or just let it go? I’m not worried about giving birth alone. I’ve been there done that, I’m just worried about where the other kids would go and it could create a real hardship for me/us.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2019 8:21 AM

2019-05-27T08:21:31-04:00

A lot of it comes down to where he's going and how he received the assignment. He should absolutely have had an answer months ago and he should definitely call his branch manager. I'm willing to bet his branch never received it. In cases like spouse pregnancy the deferment is almost always granted.
Where is he going and is this an assignment he received or requested through reenlistment?

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made May 27 at 2019 9:24 AM

2019-05-27T09:24:29-04:00

If he hasn’t received anything and is about to clear post and afraid he’s deferment has not been approved and the chain of command failed him by not keeping him informed; regardless of the circumstances!

Response by SGT Robert Wager made May 27 at 2019 10:28 AM

2019-05-27T10:28:04-04:00

Have him talk to the chaplain,
Maybe he can work a back door channel to get an answer ASAP

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 27 at 2019 5:05 PM

2019-05-27T17:05:53-04:00

A fast denial as if they put no effort to it is relatively common but the only time Branch isn’t going to respond at all is when they didn’t get the question.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the service member contacting their branch or HRC reference their own assignment it’s not just smart it’s anticipated respected and the professional thing to do.

Assuming he’s in good standing with the unit there’s absolutely no reason he can’t get an answer by way of a senior noncommissioned officer making a call for him.

That battalion of or brigade Sergeant Major if they’re worth a darn have numbers like this on speed dial and can reach out to get an answer relatively easily.

It’s unfortunate that some leaders are brought up under the false notion you should just let "fill in the blank" section handle it and never take care of anything yourself.

They perpetuate that notion and tell their subordinates the same thing not out of malice, but just because it was what they were taught.

And then because leaders are humans of all manner and type there’s some bad ones as well who are only interested in doing what takes care of them self.

Absolutely not saying this is the case but as a company 1SG this is the kind of answer I would’ve been able to find out over the phone while multitasking sending an email, reviewing an NCOER, and tying my boots after PT.

That’s not because I’m anything special it’s because the task isn’t that hard. And if I did hit a brick wall, there are 999 people I can reach out to for assistance.