Can you request Chapter 8 separation overseas?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Jun 2019 23:10:06 -0400

I am currently on active duty stationed at Fort Bragg, my wife just PCS'ed to Camp Humphreys, Korea. We found out she was pregnant shortly after she got there, I found out that I am being deployed within the next year and she is set to stay there for her next year. Shes going in to get it verified by a doctor, set next week. What are our options (us both being active duty)? Is she able to request separation while she is over there and come back to the states? Will she be sent here? Am I allowed to be stationed there? We just want to know our options before she is counseled. Ive read through AR 635-200 and a couple things were unclear to me. Thanks for the help.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2019 1:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 01:15:55 -0400

Yes she can request a Chapter 8 separation, however is that something the two of you really want to do since your family size is increasing? Is there any reason why the two of you didn’t go to Korea together? You stated you’re going to be deploying, what’s the point of her getting out to be closer to you if you’re going to be deploying (no disrespect intended)? Having a child with two incomes is stressful as it is, do you really want to lose an income and add more stress to your household. Many women have children while serving and it doesn’t stop them from being a parent to their children. Before you guys make a rapid decision, find out if your wife is truly pregnant and between the two of you, discuss the best course of action for your child. Once you’re expecting, the decision you make are no longer about what you want but about what your child needs....good luck to you....

Response by SFC Michael Krogmann made Jun 23 at 2019 1:26 AM

SFC Michael Krogmann — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 01:26:32 -0400

Are you enrolled in the married couples program?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2019 1:34 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Jun 2019 01:34:31 -0400

PFC Private RallyPoint Member A baby is good news, and your wife needs you to be happy for her and the new addition to your family. Don't ever let her think that this news is anything but a blessing.
You have a few angles to pursue here. I would not recommend going for a Chapter 8 in these circumstances, as SFC Private RallyPoint Member put so well. I would counsel you to go on the Married Army Couples Program and look into getting her assigned where you are or you going where she is. She will need you.
It is an exciting time, and I am happy for you. Prioritize how you can support you wife best and you will be on the right track.

Response by SFC Ocie Conner made Jun 24 at 2019 11:03 PM

SFC Ocie Conner — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 23:03:42 -0400

I currently have a Soldier who choose CH 5-8. and under that chapter she has to be out of the Army 30 days prior to her due date. I recommend that your you and your wife look at the whole chapter and seek legal guidance as well to see what characterizations of chapter she would be entitled too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2019 11:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jun 2019 11:28:12 -0400

I understand your wife wants to get out. You have to understand that's she's making a decision based on her emotions right now. It's normal for pregnant women to experience surges of hormones that lead to strong emotional drives. I've reenlisted a lot of pregnant women in the military who felt they had to reenlist right away so they could feel secure. I always counseled them to wait after their baby was born so they could make a more objective decision.
Yes, your wife wants to get out right now, but what makes you think she won't regret that decision in a year? In a year, your spouse can PCS to where you're at, just a few months after the baby is born. You can see her sooner than that if she is able to fly home on her maternity leave. You two need to have a discussion about what you want in your futures and what is best, as opposed to what you want in the moment. Otherwise, a year from now your spouse may be sitting in the recruiters office applying for a waiver to get back in.