I’ll be at FLW for basic/osut when our child will be born. How can I request 1-2 days off to be there for csection ? What are my options?

2020-02-10T20:00:54-05:00

Any related experience with child birth while spouse is at bct.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Feb 10 at 2020 8:11 PM

2020-02-10T20:11:27-05:00

You should get with your recruiter to see about rescheduling basic until after the birth. Unless there's an emergency and a red cross message, they're not just going to give you 1-2 days off to go to this.

Response by 1SG Steven Imerman made Feb 10 at 2020 8:27 PM

2020-02-10T20:27:47-05:00

The short answer is no. See if you can change your report date.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 10:43 PM

2020-02-10T22:43:08-05:00

Honestly the comments already here are Correct. You're not going to be given leave for the birth. In the past I've seen people get access to their phone for a short period to skype/call home after the birth.
Best shot is getting a different course start date. Earlier or later.

Earlier is usually harder, but sometimes units can get you on a waitlist.
Later stinks for the soldier because you have to turn around and leave your newborn.

The army struggle is real.
Best of luck to you. Just dont give up and remember why you're doing what you're doing.

Response by PV2 Aj Veal made Feb 11 at 2020 7:09 AM

2020-02-11T07:09:16-05:00

My wife had to be in actual labor before I was approved for leave. I was also active already and in Germany. So 10 hours later I arrived and my kid was born. I also only got to stay home for 6 days before I had to go back ($1,400 plane ticket mind you). Part of it brother, just the way it is. Get your dates pushed or embrace the suck.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 8:51 AM

2020-02-11T08:51:54-05:00

Only option is to reschedule. No way you go home during Basic for the birth. Not happening.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2020 1:57 PM

2020-02-11T13:57:52-05:00

There was a a trainee at our basic training who's wife went into labor early. He was granted emergency leave, however he could not return to our battalion. There are just too many things you do too quickly to successfully get time off in basic training and expect the same graduation date.

He got through red/white phase of BCT and was told that when he returned he would be recycled into another battalion to complete blue phase.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2020 3:21 AM

2020-02-12T03:21:13-05:00

Unless she can schedule the C section for the weekend between Basic and AIT, it's not going to happen until AIT is over.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2020 5:59 PM

2020-02-22T17:59:56-05:00

I was in FLW for basic last year and the OSUT MP program is very strict. I honestly do not think that you will be able to take any time off. I don’t think that’s an option. You can only go home if a close family member dies, if I’m not mistaken.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2020 3:17 AM

2020-02-28T03:17:34-05:00

I went to basic while my wife was 8 months pregnant with our son. During basic she gave birth about a week before end of blue phase. I got woken up at like 11pm by fire guard and they said DS needed to speak with me. He gave me the Red Cross message and gave me the option of either going home for emergency leave or sticking through with training, I chose to continue training. They did allow me to call her right then and there and I got my phone for 10min the next day to FaceTime her. It’s all about letting the DS know in early stages of red phase. They asked if anyone was expecting children and what our preference was for the event. It’s on you though to either go and be 2weeks behind in training or miss the birth and push on, chances are when you get to your unit you’re gonna miss lots of time with kids anyways.