Will my husband be able to return from Korea for the birth of our baby? Would the military pay for his return?

Chelsea Lee — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 22:46:48 -0400

So my husband ended up leaving for Korea a few days ago, and the day he left we found out that we are expecting a baby. I am curious if anyone knows if he would be able to come back for the birth in April. And how that all would work. Would we need to pay for the flight back out of our own pocket? Or are there options for military flights. If you’ve been through the same circumstances please let me know some advice

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2021 11:13 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:13:30 -0400

Chelsea Lee He should check with his CO, 1SG, or Chaplain at his duty station. Congratulations on your family addition.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2021 11:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:30:18 -0400

We will most likely pay for the flight back. He can do Space A flight out of Osan but there is no guarantee that he will make it back in time if he took that route since he won’t be on the top of the list. I would have him start doing the paperwork now since it’s a hassle to leave with Covid and all.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Aug 12 at 2021 11:59 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 23:59:12 -0400

Congratulations Chelsea Lee! Best of luck and I hope he is able to be with you when your baby arrives!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 12:21 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:21:20 -0400

Is he there for nine months? If so, the timing may work out perfectly. If he is there for a year, then I would say just pay out if pocket to nearly gurantee he gets back early enough for the birth. I was in Korea and see no reason why they will not allow him to come home for the birth. He just needs to give them enough heads up.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 13 at 2021 12:40 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 00:40:10 -0400

Congratulations. He will need to work with his leadership and start planning now to try and get this buttoned down so he can. It's possible but it takes time and planning.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 1:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 01:35:48 -0400

If your husband is there for a year he will have a chance to take leave at least once. He can plan his leave around your birth. If not, he should be able to take emergency leave as well. There's a weekly flight that rotates out to Korea and back

Response by LTC David Brown made Aug 13 at 2021 12:09 PM

LTC David Brown — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 12:09:15 -0400

Best of luck and May God bless your endeavors for your husband to be with you at the birth of your child.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2021 12:24 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 12:24:06 -0400

Very happy for you!
He will have to take leave and buy his own ticket. But getting leave approved for the birth of a child should be pretty easy. He needs to start communicating with his command now, so he can be there.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Aug 14 at 2021 2:15 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 14:15:40 -0400

Pretty good chance of him being there but you need to plan on him not being there. Korea is a good day’s travel and babys don’t arrive off military leave schedules. You can plan for him to be there on the due date and baby come two weeks either side. Get yourself set up for a friend or family member to help out.