Pregnancy

[JadalaStar]

My state? Well I'm from CALIFORNIA and I'd be living in OREGON if I got out. I'm an currently in Germany.

I am about 26 weeks pregnant. My Commander and myself had a discussion in december about whether or not I wanted to stay in the military. I explained my situation to my commander which is this: I have (at the time) no where to live if I leave the Army right now. He advised me to elect to stay in for now. He also said that because I have absolutly no one to take care of my child for me if I deploy (the father and are not together and I have no family member that could do so) I would probably be chaptered out in september (I am with the rear detach and we switch with the forward in september). My question is that if I now have a place to stay (my sister is looking for an aprtment in OREGON for us) is there a way I can get out and do I still get my money for my GI BILL. I have been in for over a year and it is paid off. It would be very difficult for me to stay in. I have no drivers license of any kind and would have to get a US liscence before I could apply for a German one. I have never driven before in my life so this would take some time. I also would be on my own during this. I don't have enough leave to just go to the states and learn how to drive and get my license unless I went to the US for the birth and attempted to do so after and before I come back.

Help!
What can I do?

 

[IrishLady47]

Which service are you in?

If not Army, do you have a service school or promotion ADSO?

What is your due date?

If you can answer those questions, I will be able to give you a more accurate response.

 

[JadalaStar]

...

I don't know for certain but I will say 'not that I know of'.

As for my due date it is June 4th.

Thank you so much for trying to help!

 

[JadalaStar]

Oops

I missread question, yes I am in the Army.
I am part of the 240th QM company in Bamberg Germany.
I am due June 4th.

 

[DRTDEVL]

You can always elect to be discharged at any time up until birth.

You will NOT be getting your GI Bill (Requires a lot more time on AD). Not even a prorated amount.

Why would they pony up for college when you couldn't (didn't want to) hold up your end of the bargain?

Take your discharge and run... Remember, you're one of the few who give all women in the Army a bad name. Get pregnant and get out of deployment? Get an Honorable Discharge? Too easy if you ask me. Should be revised to OTH at best, but that's just my thinking on the matter.

 

[JadalaStar]

Lets Get The Facts Straight

For your information, I did NOT become pregnant on purpose AND this happened before I had orders to deploy to Germany. So no infact I DIDNT do it to get out of anything. Deploying isnt scary and I was actualy looking forward to the opertunity. I am not trying to run away either. There are alot of reason for me that will make it hard to have a baby and be in the Army at the same time. My mother dies when I was three years old, she was my age. I was raised by my grandmother and didnt come in contact with my father untill I was 16. I have always held tight to the idea that when I had children. (planned or otherwise) I would ALWAYS be there for them, whenever they needed me and no matter what. Also, if you read above, I have NO ONE to take care of my child if I deploy. I have no family members who can, my dad is a meth addict, my brother is unemployed and in and out of prison. My mother (the grandmother who adopted me) is 69 years old and is close to being broke, she is currently trying to get her GED so she can go back to work. She is running out of money. I would not be able to deploy. I have already spoken to my commander about this. I did not know that I needed someone to do this. I hand't ever thought about it because I hadnt planned on getting pregnant in the military. I have no drivers license. I have noe car. I have no idea how to raise a child or even care for one. I am asking this information because I am afraid I may end up giving my child up for adotption in order to stay in and as far as I am concerned that is not worth it. And yes I CAN get my GI BILL, I asked. My bill is completely paid off and it is my money. Onlh for educational purposes but thats okay, that is what I want it for. I consider it in my and my child's best ineterest to get out of the Army (for now as I was intending on re-enlisting when my child was older) and raise my child. Learn how to be a mother. I was intedning on using the money to attend college so I can get a good job and take care of my child. When my son is older, depending on our situation, I'd like to get back in. I love the military. I loved CLS and discovered in myself fondness for the medical field because of it. I enjoyed vehical roll-over training. In fact I just made a cd of sound effects for the React to Ambush training. I am not trying to run from being deployed. I am trying to do what I think is best. And as for the driving if you are wonderinf why it is such a big deal, I have motion sickness. It is almost impossible for me to ride in a car for very long. I have to be asleep or take medication. I do not know how I would be able to manage driving. It's a touch situation that I could handle best as a civilian. The military does not have time to wait for me to figure these things out. They need people who can do what is required whenever needed and unfortunatly I will be unable to do that. I wish I was not in this situation but I am and I am trying my best to handle it properly and respectfully. I am still working, I am the First Sergeants assistant and I make sure she gets all the important things done. I make sure she is aware of her soldiers need or problems. I enjoy my job very much. I'm really only trying to do what I think is right.

 

[IrishLady47]

Even though you indicated you wished to remain on active duty when you first received your pregnancy counseling, UP AR 635-200, para 8-8g, you can still request separation based on your pregnancy. You need to speak with your commander and see your S1 for preparation of your DA Fm 4187. You must be separated NLT 30 days prior to your due date or the latest date your physician determines you can travel to your home of record or place entered active duty.

You will be authorized to receive delivery, but only in a military medical facility. You will not be covered by TRICARE should you choose to deliver in a civilian facility.

 

[DRTDEVL]

So you got pregnant in AIT? Figures.

How do you think you're gonna get the full GI Bill when it hasn't had time to mature? You ain't getting it.

If you didn't want to get pregnant, you should have kept your legs closed.

Tell us exactly how long you've been in the army... You say "over a year", but that could mean 13-23 months. If you somehow remain for long enough to get it (I doubt it), you will be paid.

You must meet the following two requirements, no matter which category your eligibility falls under.

* Character of discharge. To use MGIB after you're separated from active duty, your discharge must be fully honorable. Discharges "under honorable conditions" and "general" discharges don't establish eligibility for MGIB.

Important Note: A change in eligibility rules that became effective November 1, 2000. If you weren’t eligible previously with your first period of active duty, you may have a second chance by using a later period of active duty.

* Completed High School. To use MGIB as an active duty member or after you're separated from active duty, you must obtain a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before you apply for benefits. Completing 12 hours toward a college degree before you apply for benefits also meets this requirement.

In addition to the requirements above, you must meet requirements from one of the four categories below.

If you entered active duty before July 1, 1985, skip Category 1. You may only qualify under Categories 2, 3, or 4.
CATEGORY I

* Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985
* Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for first 12 months
* Continuously served for 3 years, OR 2 years if that is what you first enlisted for, OR 2 years if you entered Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty and served 4 years ("2 by 4" Program)

CATEGORY II

* Entered active duty before January 1, 1977
* Served at least 1 day between 10/19/84 and 6/30/85, and stayed on active duty through 6/30/88, (or 6/30/87 if you entered Selected Reserve within 1 year of leaving active duty and served 4 years)
* On 12/31/89, you had entitlement left from Vietnam Era GI Bill

CATEGORY III

* Not eligible for MGIB under Category I or II
* On active duty on 9/30/90 AND separated involuntarily after 2/2/91,
* OR involuntarily separated on or after 11/30/93,
* OR voluntarily separated under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) or Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program
* Before separation, you had military pay reduced by $1200

CATEGORY IV

* On active duty on 10/9/96 AND you had money remaining in a VEAP account on that date AND you elected MGIB by 10/9/97
* OR entered full-time National Guard duty under title 32, USC, between 7/1/85, and 11/28/89 AND you elected MGIB during the period 10/9/96, through 7/8/97
* Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months or made a $1200 lump-sum contribution

You would fall under CATEGORY I, thus NOT eligible to receive the MGIB.

I have been in the Army more than a day... I know what I am talking about.

I have seen many Soldiers come and go, very few have an exceptional story when they leave. Your story will always be the "worthless chick" one... Yup. We call y'all "worthless for a year" because you can't do your job, can't perform any of the basic CTT training/testing, can't qualify on your weapon... Basically can't be a Soldier. Your situation is even worse... Coming straight out of AIT pregnant and looking for a discharge. A total waste of Government resources.

 

[JadalaStar]

....

I didn't come straight of AIT looking to be discharged. I did not know anything about having children in the army and therefore did not have a situation prepared so my child could be looked after while I deployed. My commander informed me of all of this. I can do nothing to change that situation.

As for keeping my legs closed, I went to a hotel party not to be there but to get my friend and go to a movie. A female friend by the way. I ended up getting cornered in the bathroom by two very drunk men. When my friend and her boyfriend attempted to intervene a fight broke out. One of the men who cornered me managed to shut and lock the door from the inside, with me still in it. So as for keeping my legs closed, I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. This would also explain to you why myself and the 'father' are not involved.

I have been in the Army sixteen months.

And with all do respect, quit insulting me. I am qualified on my weapon. I have particpated in training, I have been to the field. I have been through two AITs, and was unware of my pregnancy untill I reached the second. I had taken a pregnancy test afetr the incident but it came out as negative. Apparently it was wrong. I did everything all the oher soldiers were doing, unaware of my pregnancy. I run a 14:11, do 72 PU and 76 SU on average. I have been to the soldier of the month board. I completed every ruck march I went on without help from anyone. I never accept help from anyone. I carry my own rucksack, my weapon, my canteens just like everyone else and I did my share. I have been a squad leader several times and was the platoon guide when in AIT. I have been promoted and if I found a way to stay in, I would be eligible for a waiver for SPC. I have the highest ASVAB score in my unit as well as the highest GT score. I help with details in anyway I can, I live on the third floor in my baracks, I walk up and down the stairs everyday carrying groccery bags, laundry and so forth without help. I've never been on profile. I've never gone to sick call no matter how sick I was. I downed some medicine and drove on.

I have no one to take care of my child if I am deployed. NO ONE. I've asked friends, family members. No one can. No one will.

I am not trying to just get out. Jesus. This has been a very difficult situation for me. I want to make the best decision for this child. It has nothing to do with avoiding the Army or deployment or any other such nonesense.

I am a contrubuting member of my unit. I still work the entire day, ask no special favors and expect to be treated the same as I would if I were not pregnant. Up untill I was six months I would still go running with the unit. I still show up at PT everyday and participate.


Irishlady, thank you for the information. I will ask my commander about it.
I am very gratefull for your kindness.

 

[JadalaStar]

. . . .

I didn't come straight of AIT looking to be discharged. I did not know anything about having children in the army and therefore did not have a situation prepared so my child could be looked after while I deployed. My commander informed me of all of this. I can do nothing to change that situation.

As for keeping my legs closed, I went to a hotel party not to be there but to get my friend and go to a movie. A female friend by the way. I ended up getting cornered in the bathroom by two very drunk men. When my friend and her boyfriend attempted to intervene a fight broke out. One of the men who cornered me managed to shut and lock the door from the inside, with me still in it. So as for keeping my legs closed, I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. This would also explain to you why myself and the 'father' are not involved.

I have been in the Army sixteen months.

And with all do respect, quit insulting me. I am qualified on my weapon. I have particpated in training, I have been to the field. I have been through two AITs, and was unware of my pregnancy untill I reached the second. I had taken a pregnancy test afetr the incident but it came out as negative. Apparently it was wrong. I did everything all the oher soldiers were doing, unaware of my pregnancy. I run a 14:11, do 72 PU and 76 SU on average. I have been to the soldier of the month board. I completed every ruck march I went on without help from anyone. I never accept help from anyone. I carry my own rucksack, my weapon, my canteens just like everyone else and I did my share. I have been a squad leader several times and was the platoon guide when in AIT. I have been promoted and if I found a way to stay in, I would be eligible for a waiver for SPC. I have the highest ASVAB score in my unit as well as the highest GT score. I help with details in anyway I can, I live on the third floor in my baracks, I walk up and down the stairs everyday carrying groccery bags, laundry and so forth without help. I've never been on profile. I've never gone to sick call no matter how sick I was. I downed some medicine and drove on.

I have no one to take care of my child if I am deployed. NO ONE. I've asked friends, family members. No one can. No one will.

I am not trying to just get out. Jesus. This has been a very difficult situation for me. I want to make the best decision for this child. It has nothing to do with avoiding the Army or deployment or any other such nonesense.

I am a contrubuting member of my unit. I still work the entire day, ask no special favors and expect to be treated the same as I would if I were not pregnant. Up untill I was six months I would still go running with the unit. I still show up at PT everyday and participate.


Irishlady, thank you for the information. I will ask my commander about it.
I am very gratefull for your kindness.

 

[DRTDEVL]

If your story is accurate, did you file sexual assault charges?

You must be a 92F... But on further review, you claim not to have a license? WTH is your job in a QM company? Supply (92Y)? That's the only position that does not require a license. Even 92A requires it. So what was this "second AIT" you claim? What happened to your first school?

Having a high ASVAB score for a QM Company is not saying much... All the "CAT IV" (TSC IV = 16-31 on the ASVAB) enlistees when I was in Recruiting were offered 88M, 92F, and 63B. Proof is in the pudding.

You HAVE a way to stay in... You are just choosing the easy out. Talk to a spouse of a member of your unit about becoming a short-term provider on your FCP, and your grandmother as a long-term provider. A good source for a potential provider would be your Family Readiness Group... Talk to the leader, and he/she will point you in the right direction. It's only a few pieces of paper, and you're all set up.

I don't consider anyone who is not allowed to drive a military vehicle a "contributing member" of a unit... ESPECIALLY when a primary function of his/her MOS requires it. Honestly, it should be a requirement for anyone before they join. You know, convoy to Graf, rather than ride a bus. Available to pull missions 24/7, rather than sitting in an office/motorpool from 9-5 waiting to be released.

Please post your source for being able to collect your GI Bill... According to the VA (and military.com amongst other various sources), you are flat-out ineligible.

 

[IrishLady47]

As far as benefits are concerned, discharge for pregnancy UP AR 635-200, Chapter 8, is considered a voluntary separation. Therefore, separation pay is not authorized nor would you be entitled to benefits tied to being involuntarily separated.

 

[mommyof4]

Also, if you read above, I have NO ONE to take care of my child if I deploy. I have no family members who can, my dad is a meth addict, my brother is unemployed and in and out of prison. My mother (the grandmother who adopted me) is 69 years old and is close to being broke, she is currently trying to get her GED so she can go back to work. She is running out of money.

Just one tiny, niggling detail...

You DO have another parent that would be responsible for the baby. It's called the baby's father. Crazy, but true.

Oh, and what makes you think you are so special and different from all of the other women that are members of the armed services who have managed to give birth and continue to honor their committments? Heck, what makes you think that you are in such a unique situation as to not know beforehand how to care for an infant?

That said....if you are this weak, then I really don't think you are the best candidate to be serving and given honor from this country.

 

[Sailor2Soldier]

At least you are not blatently admitting to getting pregnant to miss 6-9month cruise in the Navy. I work at a PSD in Norfolk and we service most of the ships in the area, a month or two before the deployment 1/2 of our "customers" are girls who have to transfer off the ship because something in the water gets them all pregnant before they have to leave home for a little bit.

 

[Peligroso27]

You know you always have option "B". If my career were on the line for a rape baby I would probably go to option "B"