Posted on Aug 25, 2016
PFC Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator/Maintainer
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I have been struggling with infertility for awhile now and I'm finally getting one of the best procedures done next month which is during an ftx. I told one of my NCOs about the conflict and he told me that I can't get it done because the commander has stated that she is going to override any profile or note from the doctor so that I go? And I'm actually already on profile for a heart murmur that limits me from a lot. Why should I put my infertility and potential future family on hold because she said so? Is this right or should I do something about it ?
Posted in these groups: Pushup improvement ProfilesEthics logo EthicsImgres Law
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Responses: 10
SGM Erik Marquez
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Edited >1 y ago
PFC
Heart Murmur
Long term profile that "limits you a lot"
Sm is looking to get out of known, scheduled mission oriented training for a personal elective procedure.

PFC (Join to see) I in no way imply to look down on your personal wants, I have a beautiful wife and two wonderful sons. My wife was in the Army as well, only leaving the service as a Sergeant in order to better care for our sons needing more time than circumstances allowed while serving. ... All that to say, your personal want for a family is well received as valid as you make it.

However, were I your 1SG, or CSM and I looked at the facts above.... I think you would find yourself looking at a Med board and seperation if the medical condition, outlook and profile limiting your duties warranted it, or an uncontested offer of a separation for needs of the service member if it applied, and in any case i would would been anticipating you to ask for a seperation once pregnant as pregnancy, plus heart murmur profile and military service is really going to conflict. Id assume you would be wanting out of darn near all if not all military duties during your pregnancy as likley to be high risk..,,,,and you likley be very unhappy with the Army when that does not happen. So while Id never TELL you to take that option, I would not be surprised when it was requested.

Others have told you the truth.... Needs of the unit come before wants of the Soldier. You scheduled an appointment that conflicted with a scheduled training event...the Commander absolutely is right to tell you to reschedule.
Please review the Oath of enlistment you read and signed when you entered service.
And the Soldiers Creed you should have learned and committed to living.

Please consider what the words "Selfless Service" mean to you.
Ask yourself, who is doing my work, my shifts, My job...when I am "limited a lot"

You may find that Military Service is not the right choice for you. Make an adult, informed, educated and unemotional decision and do what is best for you... But keep in mind, your commander is going to do the same...only it will be what is best for the unit, the Army, the nation. And I have to just say it straight.. A PFC on profile for a Heart Murmur that "limits you a lot", and is looking to get pregnant which limits you a lot, and then care for a child which limits you a lot...when I look at all that... I see a Soldier that needs to choose to exit the service or be helped along.

I HOPE I'M WRONG.... and the flat text you wrote and some assumptions I made are dead wrong and you are such a valuable asset to the unt your command wants to keep you at all costs.. I really do hope you are that good at your job, committed to the mission and needs of your unit and fellow soldiers that your chain of command is looking to find ways to keep you in the service.
Best of luck.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SGM Erik Marquez
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Oh and lastly... you stated "Is it legal or ethical for the company commander to make me violate my profile?"

Reading what you wrote,,and just that... can you cite the part that explains your beliefs action of your commander is in violation of your profile?

Unless you have a profile that requires you to get pregnant, the only thing being violated is your want to get pregnant.. At least that's my takeaway from what you provided us in your post.
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SGT Edward Wilcox
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Your commander can require you to reschedule an elective procedure so that it does not conflict with scheduled training. The only caveat would be if the doctor was booked for months and that was the only appointment available. If the appointment was made before the training schedule was published, you might have a better leg to stand on. Always keep the training schedule in mind when making any appointments. you should get with the doctor. Find out if you can reschedule. If the doctor refuses to reschedule, then you will need to climb up the chain of command. Start with your commander, and work your way up from there. Be prepared to get shut down at each level. Again, the needs of the Army come first.

Your commander, however, does not have the authority to "override" any medical profile, including temporary profiles. If you have a murmur, you are already barred from re-enlistment. Why not wait until you get out to start fertility treatments?
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SGM Special Forces Senior Sergeant
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Your personal life doesn't take priority over the needs of the Army. I feel for your situation, I really do (my wife and I tried almost everything for 2 years before our first came along), but you responsibility to your unit and your dedication to your team should be your focus. Additionally, I don't know of any doctor that won't reschedule an appointment (even if it has to be timed to a cycle) due to military obligations.
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