Can Postpartum be discharged through Chapter 8?

2021-03-09T01:59:07-05:00

Hi! I had a baby 5 months ago and I’m now trying to get out. My husband is a 15u in the Army and it’s too much for us. Could I get out through Chapter 8?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2021 2:42 AM

2021-03-09T02:42:06-05:00

Based on my reading of AR 135-178, I do not believe so. However, this should be a conversation between your primary care provider and your commander.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Mar 9 at 2021 7:27 AM

2021-03-09T07:27:04-05:00

Chapter 5-8 - (Involuntary Separation Due to Parenthood) may be the better option -- read up on it with your husband and then go to your chain of command -- Good Luck

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2021 9:45 AM

2021-03-09T09:45:14-05:00

If you read chapter 8 it says you must be pregnant and it must be done before the child is born

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2021 4:14 PM

2021-03-09T16:14:55-05:00

You need AR 635-200, Enlisted Separations. Chapter 6 Separation Because of Dependency or Hardship

6–3. Criteria
Soldiers on active duty may be discharged or released (see para 6–10) because of genuine dependency or hardship.
a. Dependency. Dependency exists when death or disability of a member of a Soldier’s (or spouse’s) immediate family causes that member to rely upon the Soldier for principal care or support. (See para 6–5 for definition of Soldier’s “immediate family.”)
b. Hardship. Hardship exists when in circumstances not involving death or disability of a member of the Soldier’s

6–4. Application of criteria
a. Separation from the service of Soldiers because of dependency will be granted when all the following circum- stances
exist:
(1) Conditions have arisen or have been aggravated to an excessive degree since entry on AD or ADT.
(2) Conditions are not of a temporary nature.
(3) Every reasonable effort has been made by the Soldier to alleviate the dependency or hardship conditions without success.
(4) Separation from active military service of the Soldier is the only readily available means of eliminating or materially
alleviating the dependency or hardship conditions.
b. Circumstances outlined in (1) and (2), below, do not justify separation because of dependency or hardship. However, the existence of these circumstances does not prevent separation because of dependency or hardship, provided the application meets the criteria in a, above.
(1) Pregnancy of an enlisted man’s wife is not considered a condition for which his/her separation is justified. However, this does not prevent separation because of a permanent medical disability resulting from pregnancy.
(2) Undue and genuine hardship does not necessarily exist because of altered income or because the Soldier is separated from his/her or her family or must suffer the inconvenience normally incident to military service.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 9 at 2021 4:31 PM

2021-03-09T16:31:07-05:00

I see you’re an E4. How long left on your contract? Figure most separations will take 3 to 6 months. If you’re a year or so from ETS you may be better off to complete your enlistment. Veterans’ benefits are extremely valuable. Be sure you understand all the effects of being chaptered out.

Yes, little kids can bring stress to your lives. Consider these:
-take full advantage of family support programs at your installation
-you and your spouse both work with your chains of command to coordinate schedules and commitments
-off load extra commitments until kid is older
-use grand parents. Hopefully they are living and nearby. (Aunts & uncles may agree to help)
-talk with behavioral health about postpartum depression—it’s real