Can women in the Army Reserves separate due to pregnancy?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 13:52:31 -0400

I currently have a soldier who is expecting and would like to separate from the army reserves. When I was active duty it was an easy process, however the reserves keeps drawing blanks. Our company commander has not counseled her yet and she's getting close to her third trimester. We have one other soldier in this unit who has had a pregnancy while in the reserves and she never received a counseling, pregnancy profile, or even maternity uniforms.
Our unit is expecting a high tempo year due to our pending mission, which would require a lot of time away from her new baby which she does not want to do. This same unit has threatened family care plan chapters on soldiers before, but doesn't seem to have a clue in this regard. AR 635-200 is specific to AD soldiers and women who are AGR in the reserves and guard. Has anyone had this issue before?

Response by SFC Dan Thomsen made Oct 27 at 2020 2:08 PM

SFC Dan Thomsen — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 14:08:03 -0400

Yes they will be given 2 choice's, separate or stay in (create a family support plan to take care of your child if your deployed). Everyone is given the choice and it is required by regulation to be counseled and make their election. I know of both choices being made for their own reasons. The biggest concern when staying in is getting back to body fat percentages I think within 90 days (unsure anymore the time limit). This can be challenging on some females (about 25% of the ones I knew) and can be stressful until it is attained or they are separated for inability to comply with standards.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2020 3:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 15:20:37 -0400

AR 635-200 CH 8 does not apply to regular TPU Soldiers. It specifies in 8.1 Policy that it applies to Active Duty Enlisted and NG/USAR enlisted called to Active Duty.
I had a similar situation during my first command. I was not able to separate the Soldier just because she was pregnant. I ended up doing the family care plan separation. It was quick and I believe honorable. The Soldier can also request transfer to the IRR.
However, your commander and unit are in the wrong for not knowing the regulations, providing uniforms, and conducting the counseling.
The supply person (or someone with access to KYLOC) should have ordered uniforms in the first trimester. It does take a month or more to arrive. Probably a little late now.
Feel free to email/message me if you need more information on how to proceed or documents for separation/transfer packet.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Oct 27 at 2020 3:21 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 15:21:51 -0400

I'm a retired Active Duty folk but always look for all of my fellows! You need to look at AR 135-178, Army NG and Reserve Enlisted Administrative Separations. Pay special attention to Para 6-3 and 6-5!!!

See attached.

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/dr_pubs/dr_a/pdf/web/arn3941_ar135-178_web_final.pdf

arn3941_ar135-178_web_final.pdf

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Nov 28 at 2022 9:55 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 09:55:10 -0500

Wow, complicated now, used to be if you were a WAC or AAMEDS Officer that got PG, out the door you went. Not sure why it has now become so difficult.