What are the chances of getting approved for a compassionate reassignment to be closer to my kids?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 17:30:47 -0400

I am a divorced father of 4 and I have been away from my kids for the last 5 years. I have been able to visit them every so often, but that doesn't seem like it is enough. For me or them. I was wondering what the chances were to get approved for a compassionate reassignment for someone like me who just needs to be closer to my kids? They are also having some issues since the divorce also.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 6:51 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 18:51:43 -0400

Best advice is to speak with your 1SG and Commander.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 8:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 20:56:13 -0400

You could call your branch manager and ask for an assignment close to where they are. You could possibly look for positions that are in the area ROTC instructors or recruiters or something like that.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2017 9:16 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 21:16:34 -0400

You have a near zero chance if you don't ask. Listen to the advice given by the others.

Good luck. Tough to not see your kids.

Response by 1SG Jeremy Evans made Jul 10 at 2017 11:43 PM

1SG Jeremy Evans — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 23:43:09 -0400

To be up front about it, you'll probably need something more substantial than not seeing your kids as much as you'd like. For compassionate actions the reg states a handful of reasons that are not alone a basis for a reassignment request. (AR 614-200 ch 5-14) You may be better working with your branch to look for assignment opportunities where you want to go. Feel free to message me direct and I will break down the process of submitting a compassionate request if you want.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2017 1:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 13:23:35 -0400

Read AR 600-214 - that is the regulation on compassionate reassignments. Section III
Compassionate Actions Para 5-14.

5–14. Overview
a. Compassionate actions are requests from individual Soldiers when personal problems exist. The two types of compassionate requests are when personal problems are—
(1) Temporary (resolvable within a year).
(2) Not expected to be resolved within a year.

d. Normally, the following conditions alone are not a basis for a compassionate request:
(1) Soldier’s desire is to be in a new area.
(2) Divorce or separation that is the result of family separation due to military requirements.
(3) Legal actions and court appearances for matters relating to divorce and/or child custody issues.
(4) Recent awarding of custody of dependent child or children to the Soldier under the terms of a divorce or legal separation by temporary or permanent court order.
(5) Sole parenthood.
(6) Pregnancies involving threatened miscarriage, breech birth, cesarean section, or RH incompatibility of spouse.
(7) The problem expected to be resolved by family members joining the Soldier at their duty station.
(8) Minor allergies suffered by the members of the family due to climatic conditions.
(9) Problems relating to home ownership or housing shortages.
(10) Financial problems alone or as the result of mismanagement of financial affairs by the Soldier or the Soldier’s family or problems related to an off–duty job, spouse’s job, or private business activities.
(11) Chronic problems relating to parents or parents–in–law.
e. Soldiers are not authorized to submit more than one request for reconsideration for the same or similar extreme family problem.

5–16. Supporting documentation
The following documentation will be included (as appropriate) with DA Form 3739. (See fig 5–2.)
a. Medical problems. A signed statement from the attending physician giving the specific medical diagnosis and prognosis of illness. The statement will include date of onset, past and anticipated periods of hospitalization, period of convalescence, and anticipated life expectancy for terminal cases. The statement will list any other factors that establish the Soldier’s presence as having a bearing on the medical condition. For cases involving reassignment from OCONUS
location where medical care for family members is not available, include documentation from appropriate medical authorities stating that fact. (See para 5-15g).
b. Legal problems. A signed statement from a licensed attorney stating the problem and the reasons why solutions other than reassignment of the Soldier are unacceptable. If applicable, a copy of court order, divorce decree, or other pertinent legal documents will be submitted.
c. Rape/child abuse. Statements from police, social service agencies, and/or examining physicians.
d. Marital and dependent status. When cases involve reassignment of Soldiers to dependent–restricted tours, a statement by the Soldier, witnessed by an officer, will be included. It will specify that the Soldier has been advised that travel for dependents at Government expense is not authorized. (See JFTR para U5222D.)
e. Other problems. Supporting statements from responsible persons (for example, clergymen, social workers, court clerks, American Red Cross personnel) who have personal knowledge of the problem.

I don't think you would get a compassionate approved based on what you posted. You can always try - but it's generally for medical situations from what I've heard or seen.

I got a compassionate 2 1/2 years ago because of my daughter's medical condition. It got me closer to home where most of my family still lives and she had already been getting care at the Children's Hospital which was another key factor.

Now if they're having some kind of learning or medical issues because of it maybe. But you have to provide quite a lot of documentation especially when it's medical.