E-4 with dependents, eligible for reenlistment? Do I need a Family Care Plan?

2018-05-11T11:37:00-04:00

I am an E-4, engaged, with 2 daughters that I do not have custody of but do pay child support on. My fiancé has 2 kids that she has sole custody of, as well. Will I be able to rejoin the Army with that many dependents?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 12:36 PM

2018-05-11T12:36:39-04:00

If you're still single when you come back in - then you might have to do a FCP. I say might because I don't think while you're just engaged that her children count as dependents. I think it would be up to your commander at that point. If you're married when you come back in, you wouldn't have to do a FCP unless your commander wanted you to for some reason. Usually it's dual military, single soldiers, or those whose spouse isn't residing with them but they have the kids.

I think it's going to come down to the unit you go to on whether you do a FCP.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 2:37 PM

2018-05-11T14:37:57-04:00

Last time I read the regulation (which I don't think has changed) it stated that Single parents with custody of their children in excess of 30 days must have a family care plan, dual military with dependents, or at the direction of the commander (so if you were married but your civilian spouse kept calling you and saying they can't leave work to pick up the kids, you need to do it, then the commander can direct you to get a family care plan). Regardless of how much visitation time you have with your children, you must still be prepared to perform your duties, even if you are not required to have a family care plan.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 11 at 2018 7:10 PM

2018-05-11T19:10:20-04:00

First off if you don't have custody, then you shouldn't have a problem with your 2. Second- until you get married, her kids will not count with the military.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 9:21 PM

2018-05-11T21:21:56-04:00

No child care plan needed, since you do not have custody.
The children are no hindrance to you enlisting.
Her dependents are a non-issue unless/until you get married.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made May 12 at 2018 1:48 AM

2018-05-12T01:48:26-04:00

Since you aren’t married then your fiancé and her kids are irrevelant.

Ok you pay child support is it court ordered? Do you have a custody agreement?

You can join cause I just got back in! Call a recruiter!