What are my PCS options post-miscarriage?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:59:19 -0400

So a few months back I posted about my miscarriage (I’m doing a lot better) and if my orders overseas will get deleted now that I am no longer pregnant. My orders did end up getting cancelled and now I’m still at my duty station but everyone keeps asking me what my new timeline is. I spoke to my retention NCO a while back and he told me that my miscarriage changes things since I was on orders then wasn’t and now I have nothing holding me back again. This NCO has gone to another company and a new person is here. The old NCO told me it probably won’t be best to speak to my branch manager because I have been asking a lot lately (with the asking for an overseas assignment and then cancelling it) and it will be harder for them to work with me. But we also have a new branch manager. My question is, can anyone give me any kind of insight on what to do next? I feel like such a burden and I feel as though no one will want to help me. What are my options moving forward?

Response by COL Randall C. made Apr 3 at 2023 4:04 PM

COL Randall C. — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 16:04:43 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, I'm glad to hear you're doing better.

Since your last post, DoD has expanded the Military Parental Leave Program* again, but nothing was changed regarding your situations.

To your specific question about "what now" - It sounds like there is a hiccup in the system since you didn't come down on orders after the convalescent leave period was completed (12 weeks). What SHOULD have happened is that new orders would have been generated at that point, but as I said ... hiccup in the system.

Right now your situation appears to be, "What do you want to do?"

If you want to PCS, I don't think there is an issue with you talking to your branch manager, ESPECIALLY if you have a friendly, rather than demanding, attitude (you'd be surprised how many stories I've heard from branch managers relating the attitudes of some of the Soldiers when they call up).

If you're comfortable talking about it, a simple explanation will go a long way - explain your situation and why your orders had to be deleted and a bit of sympathy if the situation also put them (the assignments branch) in a bind inadvertently (you're not apologizing for having a miscarriage .. just doing a sympathetic bond with them).

The fact that you have a new branch manager makes it a bit easier since they won't have any personal investment (likely).
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* https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dtm/DTM%2023-001.PDF

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