Is it possible to make it home from my current deployment before the birth of my third child?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 10:14:51 -0400

My wife was pregnant before I deployed and my chain of command was tracking. I have two other toddlers and my wife does not have much help. I am aware of MPLP directive 20190122. Currently under CJTF and was verbally told it is unlikely without a red cross message for high risk pregnancy. My wife is not high risk.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2020 10:18 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 10:18:08 -0400

You will probably miss the birth. Mainly because most troops coming back from deployment are being put in quarantine for 14 days upon return to the states.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2020 10:47 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 10:47:13 -0400

Your unit should have never sent you if they had intentions of you making It their for the birth of your child

Response by SFC Michael D. made Mar 20 at 2020 11:15 AM

SFC Michael D. — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:15:15 -0400

Chain of Commandmy friend. It's all about keeping them informed and asking the question. Don't get hurt if you get a NO answer. People have missed the the birth of children, birthdays, holidays and funerals serving their country. We don't like it but it's what you signed uo for. Good luck to you and hope you're child comes into the world safe and healthy.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 20 at 2020 11:24 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 11:24:57 -0400

I think you have heard loud and clear from RP that there are no guarantees you'll be back for this. I think the larger issue to take to the chain of command is support for your two children already at home. If your wife left the area (to go back to her home town) there is not much they can do aside from contacting state agencies.

If your wife is at homestation, recommend working throw the FRG and ACS to see if there I see Assistance that can be rendered. I don't know if either of your parents are in a position to help. The CJTF mentioned a Red Cross message. That Red Cross Message doesn't have to be at the first set of contractions.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 20 at 2020 12:24 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 12:24:34 -0400

There are several factors at this time that would make it largely impossible, in addition to current policies. You may want to focus more on identifying larger support to help her locally.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Mar 20 at 2020 1:05 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 13:05:48 -0400

With all this going on with COVID-19 - I doubt it.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 20 at 2020 1:42 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 13:42:38 -0400

None of us can make that happen for you. Talk to your chain of command.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2020 4:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 16:46:41 -0400

It is unlikely, very unlikely. Your awareness of the directives and policies, and knowing your spouse isn't high risk, raises the question:
Why are you asking when you know the policy and have been told it is unlikely to be approved?
While you're working on that one, consider the following questions you should be addressing with your spouse and the family readiness group (especially with the pandemic social distancing necessities), which may include:
Who will care for your toddlers while she is in delivery and recovery?
What are the no less than one backup person(s) for that plan?
How long does your wife's doctor expect her to remain in the hospital post delivery without complications?
What support post delivery and discharge does your spouse's doctor believe she'll require with the newborn and two toddlers?
Identify that support, by name.
What does her doctor recommend for quarantine for herself and the two toddlers prior to delivery/post delivery?
What additional support is required to meet the recommendations from the questions above?
What quarantine requirements are recommended for anyone providing support pre-delivery and post delivery?
What family members are available to come and assist your spouse? What is a good quarantine plan before that person is introduced into the household (which impacts when they should arrive).

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 20 at 2020 5:00 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 17:00:21 -0400

Don't hold your breath! Folks from 82nd came back from A-stan- moved into quarantine in tents on one of the open areas. This last week.

Response by SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins made Mar 22 at 2020 2:09 PM

SPC(P) Brandon Jenkins — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 14:09:14 -0400

Knew a guy on my first deployment who was able to get a red cross message without his wife being high risk. He took 14 days, I think.