My wife can't drive due to medical condition and I am still expected to go on rotation without having a plan for my wife. What should I do?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:01:27 -0500

My wife is already enrolled in EFMP. My unit is not concerned about my situation they simply want everyone deployable to go on this rumor of a rotation. We haven't even been published orders for the rotation so everything is still in limbo. I don't know how I am going to be able to be over seas when my wife can't get to doctor appointments and what she needs to due to medical condition.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2022 6:37 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:37:33 -0500

Any other family members can come out to help care for your wife? Any neighbors willing to transport wife to/from appointments?

Response by COL Randall C. made Dec 19 at 2022 7:11 PM

COL Randall C. — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 19:11:39 -0500

One of your first calls should be to an advisor at Military OneSource*. They will be able to advise you of programs you can take advantage of, local groups that might be able to assist, etc.

Assuming you still need assistance after that and taking MSG Private RallyPoint Member's advice (family members/neighbors), you can talk with the USO and local Veteran Service Organizations (VFW, DAV, etc) to see if they have local assistance programs you might be able to tap into (understand, you're not the target demographic of a VSO, but many help active duty military when they can).

Depending on her condition and what medical coverage she has, there may be ride reimbursement clauses you can take advantage of (for example, TRICARE Prime may pay for family members in some situations; Medicaid covers non-emergency medical transportation for doc visits though companies like Veyo; etc)

Talk with your unit - assuming they have a rear detachment, most 'special needs' of deploying Soldiers can be addressed with them. If you're wife's travel requirements aren't too onerous, then whoever the rear-detachment commander is can probably arrange for someone to provide transportation.

Finally, if all else fails, a harsh answer (not meant to be) ... your wife will likely have to become familiar with using public transportation.
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* https://www.militaryonesource.mil/ [login to see]
* TRICARE Prime covered travel - https://tricare.mil/primetravel

Support for Military Personnel & Families • Military OneSource

Active duty military resource website, offering 24/7 support for service members, spouses, their family and survivors on taxes, moving, benefits, MWR and more.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2022 8:08 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 20:08:17 -0500

I am epileptic. Plus Ataxia. Dangerous mix.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 19 at 2022 10:16 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 22:16:56 -0500

This isn't an EFMP issue. It is a family care plan issue. Do you have one? FCPs are not just for children.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2022 12:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 00:34:36 -0500

You should file for a hardship discharge. If your spouse is unable to function without you leaving, the military is not for you. EFMP is for making sure you get stationed at a location where your dependents can get the medical or educational support they need, it's not a stay in the rear forever card.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Dec 20 at 2022 6:24 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 06:24:11 -0500

COL Randall C. has it right, start with One Source. Then also contact the Red Cross at the Hero Care Line. The American Red Cross Hero Care Network provides confidential emergency communication and assistance to veterans, military members, and their families. Connect with the Hero Care Network any time of day by calling [login to see] or by downloading the free Hero Care App, available in English and Spanish.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 20 at 2022 11:32 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 11:32:20 -0500

Sgt. In addition to other great recommendations you also have a local FRG. EFMP status only highlight ge family meme era needs, it is not a reason to miss a deployment. In addition to seeing what theses groups can do including the Chaplain, you have an obligation to ensure your wife has all she needs before you deploy.

You are a NCO, you know your responsibilities and you know how to ensure the system works for you and your Soldiers. Now it’s to to dig deep, find the support you need to provide you peace of mind while you deploy.