What is the army regulation for out of state annual training for postpartum soldiers in the army reserves?

2020-07-02T05:01:01-04:00

My unit is going to a 2 week annual training in another state while I will be 4 to 5 months postpartum. There is an ALARACT 016/2020 stating that postpartum mothers aren't deployable for 12 months. Would it apply to my case too? Is there any other way for me to not be separated from my baby?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 9:50 AM

2020-07-02T09:50:59-04:00

It is my understanding that this ALARACT does not remove you attending Annual Training. They are training exercises. Different pot of money in regards to mission. I would recommend two things: 1) Get with your CoC to get clearer guidance. 2) Pack your bags.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 1:14 PM

2020-07-02T13:14:11-04:00

The ALARACT you referenced, it is only for deployment - leaving the country is much different than leaving the state. AR 140-1, Mission, Organization and Training, addresses AT but does not mention pregnancy or post partum. Your profile (per AR 40-502/DA PAM 40-502/AR 40-501) while pregnant restricted you from field exercises, but after the delivery and recommended recovery you are no longer restricted.
I went out of state on AT in AUG after giving birth in May (while breast feeding). There is nothing preventing it.
If you do no want to go out of state for AT, you need to talk to your chain of command and put in the request to do an alternate, home station AT. This is not a guaranteed way out. You should be prepared to go. If you have orders and no not report, the command could separate/discharge you from service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2020 2:18 PM

2020-07-02T14:18:40-04:00

To follow along on what others stated below and not repeat - yeah it sucks to be a parent in the military and have to leave your kid. But we all do it at some point. I had to leave my daughter 2 months after her kidney transplant when she was 3 to go to SLC. I'm glad it happened before I left her with family so they didn't deal with dialysis - but that's the longest I've been away from her since she was born so far. But I had deferred SLC 3 times prior due to her medical issues, came up on QMP and got that waived. I had to go. I'm a single parent on AD too. It's just part of this profession.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 9:23 AM

2020-07-12T09:23:08-04:00

Hi, according to Army Directive 2016-09, TPU soldiers are excused from weekend drills and annual trainings 84 days after a birth event.