Are Soldiers authorized absence to care for a child while civilian spouse works?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 May 2018 00:39:27 -0400

Can leadership allow a married Soldier to stay home to care for a sick child because their civilian spouse also has a professional obligation to work?

Response by Maj John Bell made May 18 at 2018 12:59 AM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 18 May 2018 00:59:59 -0400

As long as leadership is not allowing anything illegal, immoral, or unethical... they can allow whatever they want. The trick is getting the leadership to want what you want allowed.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made May 18 at 2018 1:44 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 18 May 2018 01:44:18 -0400

Does he Family Leave Act apply at all? Just a thought, of course, I honestly haven't a clue, it just occurred to me....

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 2:02 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 May 2018 02:02:37 -0400

Just a question for you? Where is the Soldiers "Professional Obligation to Work?" Just wondering.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 3:16 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 May 2018 03:16:49 -0400

Is this one of those, “I’ll pose a question for the group” type of questions, or are you actually asking for yourself?
Respectfully, you’re a Senior NCO. You ARE the leadership. You should know the answer to this.

Frankly, leadership can do just about anything they want, so long as it’s not illegal. “Wallace, don’t you have an off post appointment all day tomorrow? *foot stomp*. Don’t worry about PT formation, just call in at 0800 to let us know you’re alive.”

Do they have to, no. Can they, of course. It’s not a big secret how joes rack up 50, 60, 70+ days of leave. And it’s not because they’re deployed and not taking days off.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 8:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 May 2018 08:28:56 -0400

If it’s a constant issue, said Soldier should have a family care plan. You can’t make him/her get one but you should strongly encourage it. He/she does have an obligation to work as well so if it’s a cause for concern and even regardless, family care plans will mitigate that issue. Refer to AR 600-20 for further info.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 9:16 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 May 2018 09:16:49 -0400

For me this really comes down to the current mission at hand. Is the soldier vital to the success of whatever we're trying to do right now...today? Can the rest of us accomplish everything when he/she is gone? If so, let them go take care of their family. We hear it all the time that spouses and families serve too. So, take advantage of the opportunities that arise where you can support them. School programs, doctor appointments, etc. This stuff makes a difference. You're the leader. If someone is taking advantage of this, you'll know it.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made May 18 at 2018 9:29 AM

LT Brad McInnis — Fri, 18 May 2018 09:29:02 -0400

I had no problem letting sailors in this type of situation go home to take care of kids. Granted we were on shore duty. My thought was if there was any way to make the difficult life of a service member family a little easier, then I would do it as much as I could. Chances are it would lead to happier sailors, happier families, and more retention...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2018 9:48 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 May 2018 09:48:28 -0400

I can't pay them more but I can give some time off when the schedule allows. I would expect though they have a family care plan in the event of an emergency because this is a not a way of life.
Most importantly, make sure you're not playing favorites - there should be some sort of standard to determine the case or BPT have someone make a allegation or complaint.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made May 18 at 2018 12:24 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Fri, 18 May 2018 12:24:44 -0400

Leadership can authorize almost anything. Will they? Depends on the chain and the relationship that the soldier has with that chain. If a Soldier is a hard charger who has come into a situation that would be easier if he got leeway then the command will probably help that kid out. If the Soldier is a shit bag who doesn't put in the work then the command will probably not be so apt to help out.

Response by MAJ James Woods made May 18 at 2018 12:57 PM

MAJ James Woods — Fri, 18 May 2018 12:57:19 -0400

It's the discrepancy of the chain of command but don't be surprised leaders sits down with the Soldier to discuss a long term plan because that may not be acceptable long term depending on the unit's mission and schedule.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Oct 17 at 2020 10:32 PM

SMSgt Bob W. — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 22:32:44 -0400

Is this question for real?

Response by CDR Andrew McMenamin, PhD made Apr 7 at 2023 2:27 PM

CDR Andrew McMenamin, PhD — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:27:47 -0400

A recently separated veteran gets a civilian job. He does a wonderful job, but there's only one problem: he always shows up late. So his boss takes him aside and asks him, "Weren't you in the military? What would your leadership say if you were late?" The veteran replies, "They'd say, 'Good morning, Sergeant Major. Your coffee's on your desk.'"