Has anyone been a part of a successful dependency or hardship discharge?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 20:35:17 -0500

AR 635-200 outlines the criteria for pursuing a dependency or hardship discharge. Has there been anyone here who has helped a soldier pursue this option? Please elaborate on your experiences. (I am not here to argue whether or not this avenue should be taken; please refrain from negative commentary.)

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 28 at 2016 8:42 PM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 20:42:41 -0500

Different instruction for the Navy, same idea. Yes I have been involved in the process and it was successful. I don't want to get into too much detail but suffice to say we had to get a lot of supporting documentation in order for our Sailor to get their discharge. Letters from doctors, lawyers, accountants, that kind of thing.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 28 at 2016 8:47 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 20:47:08 -0500

We had a few Soldiers get out on family plan issues, but each case is individually looked at and approved or disapproved by the Commander. That being said, I don't know if they purposely failed to have a family plan in order to get out. Go talk to your chaplain...

Response by COL David Turk made Jan 28 at 2016 9:00 PM

COL David Turk — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 21:00:38 -0500

I've been retired for a while, but back in the day, the local jag office would provide guidance, in addition to the Chaplin.

Response by SGT Ronald Bacon made Jan 28 at 2016 9:52 PM

SGT Ronald Bacon — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 21:52:58 -0500

We had a Husband and Wife both serving in the same National Guard unit. When we deployed one of them had to play this card so they could care fro their child. They were however allowed to stay in the unit and drill as normal while we deployed. Our JAG got involved along with family statements and the Chaplain. I don't think it was a major project but that was their case.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2016 10:28 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 10:28:12 -0500

I had an officer recently who became pregnant with conjoined twins. After a lot of rigamarole and threats of lawsuits, it was eventually granted. It wasn't easy, though.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 29 at 2016 11:58 AM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 11:58:43 -0500

In my experience, the best chance of success is a sympathetic commander and lots of documentation. Such as outside doctors, etc. I have only seen successful ones that dealt with medical conditions of children and/or spouses. Getting the commander on board is critical to being successful.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Jan 30 at 2016 12:03 PM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 12:03:18 -0500

I saw one, in the AF, in 20 years. Single mother, with other issues involved.