Holding servicemembers accountable to dependents

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 12:13:41 -0400

Having recently become divorced and being a Dad of two wonderful kids, I would never dream of NOT taking care of my kids in every capacity of their lives. I make sure they are provided for by feeding them, clothing them spending time with them and by paying child support on time every time. Those are just a few of many things I do for my kids.

I have recently become aware of several servicemembers who don't / refuse to provide any financial support to their dependents let alone anything else. Some are divorced, some not yet divorced and some have never married. In the Army we are required by regulation (AR 608-99) to support our dependents. I do not know what other Services require of their SM's.

How would you handle a situation in which you became aware that a Servicemember was not providing for their dependent(s)?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 17 at 2014 12:14 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 12:14:37 -0400

Immediate first sgt intervention!

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Mar 17 at 2014 12:20 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 12:20:38 -0400

I'm not sure about all the legal factors but everything found would be in writing, JAG would be involved, and depending on if this neglect is legitiment, the starting process for a Chapter if no jail time is provided (Other than Honorable/Dishonorable).

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 18 at 2014 9:16 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 09:16:20 -0400

First I would find out during a counseling session if the Soldier is aware of the fact that they are responsible for providing support to their dependent, some just are not aware that they are required to provide that support. If they are not aware, then I would educate them as to what the regs require of them and give them the chance to make things right. If the individual is aware but are just being spiteful towards the ex/soon-to-be-ex, then I would counsel them as to their failure to provide support and ensure that said support is set up or actually happens and give them the chance to "remove their head from rectal-defilade" prior to taking it up a notch. If, after my efforts in allowing them to make things right, there is no change in their behavior/actions/attitude, then I would recommend them to the CO for "further actions". All of this is simply because I can't throat-punch the little assclown.....

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 16 at 2015 7:00 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 07:00:57 -0500

If they are drawing BAH at the "With Dependents" rate and then refusing to take care of their dependents with it, that my friends, is Fraud. At least that is the charge I've used in the Navy to remedy the situation.