Can a soldier miss drill a week before their due date? Or, does leave have to begin once labor starts?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 May 2024 21:09:48 -0400

Can a soldier miss drill a week before their due date ? Or does leave HAVE to begin once labor starts

Response by COL Randall C. made May 31 at 2024 10:41 PM

COL Randall C. — Fri, 31 May 2024 22:41:07 -0400

Short answer: "Can a Soldier miss drill" - Yes, of course. Just like any other possible excused absence if there is justification.

However, I believe what you're really asking is "when does the Army's policy regarding childbirth come into effect for reservists attending drill". The answer to that is that UTA absences related to pregnancy occurs after the 'conclusion of pregnancy' (birth, miscarriage, etc.)

Prior to the pregnancy conclusion, If there are complications or other issues related to the pregnancy, then they will be handled as normal regarding drill attendance (medical excusal, reschedule for personal conflict, etc).
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* Army Directive 2022-06 (Parenthood, Pregnancy, and Postpartum) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN35255-ARMY_DIR_2022-06-000-WEB-1.pdf

ARN35255-ARMY_DIR_2022-06-000-WEB-1.pdf

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 2 at 2024 10:17 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:17:49 -0400

That would be best if asked to your chain of command, since they are the approval authourity.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 3 at 2024 12:37 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 12:37:25 -0400

You need to open lines of communication with your chain of Command. They need to be dialed in to this in advance