If I chose an unaccompanied 2-year overseas tour, would I be able to switch to an accompanied tour if my wife wants to join me?

2019-10-23T10:47:39-04:00

I'm currently on assignment for Belgium. My wife is unsure if she wants to come with me because we are adopting a child. If I chose an unaccompanied 2-year tour, would I be able to switch to an accompanied 3-year tour in the event my wife wants to join me? Even after being overseas for a year?

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Oct 23 at 2019 11:07 AM

2019-10-23T11:07:42-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Yes you can change from unaccompanied to command sponsored. If I remember correct when I did it, it was sending up a 4187 to get our dependents command sponsored. It takes a few months.

If you have EFMP family members, they will need to be medically cleared to get orders for wherever you are stationed. I was stationed at Camp Darby, Italy (Pisa/Livorno) was really hard for people with allergies. EFPM family members that had allergies were almost never given command sponsorship there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2019 11:14 AM

2019-10-23T11:14:52-04:00

If I'm not mistaken, unaccompanied tours are now 3 years.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2019 11:21 AM

2019-10-23T11:21:41-04:00

Yes you can. EFMP screening is the hardest part. Once you are granted an accomplished tour your DEROS must be extended so that you have at least 12 additional months at least from that date.
In addition, I understand with some adoptions there are residency rules for where the child lives that can affect the adoption process. I don't know what they are, I just know this was an issue for one of my guys when I was in Okinawa.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Oct 24 at 2019 10:35 PM

2019-10-24T22:35:10-04:00

You are about to adopt a child and then you go overseas unaccompanied? Sorry I am not answering your question, but is this a stressor you really want to put your relationship through?