I'm researching this and would prefer it come from a credible source (i.e. an enlisted or previously active duty soldier, a credible source, etc.).
2007-03-29 19:33:59 · 15 answers · asked by Carlocape 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Yes as long as it can be verified the family sends what is known as a "red cross message" and regardless of where the soldier is located the military branch of the red cross will inform the soldier and his chain of command than usually within 12 hours (especially if it is a parents death) he has a da-31 (leave form) in hand and signed by his unit commander for emergency (which is also non chargeble against your saved up leave time) leave. They even help you arrange travel arrangements and usually you can get free flights etc. I got 15 days of leave last time I got a red cross message it is usually based on mission reqirments the situation etc but it is always at least 4 days of emergency leave plus travel time......shadow stalker
2007-03-29 20:37:20 · answer #1 · answered by srtfugitiverecoveryagency 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can get emergency leave to attend a funeral for immediate family. The time is up to the Command as to how long, it is normally at least 3 days. Easiest way is to have Red Cross contact the persons base to report the death in the family and when funeral services are to be taken care of.
Red Cross then contacts the base Commander or the persons individual Command to make arrangements for that person to have emergency leave.
This happened to me while i was in with the death of my grandmother. I was granted a week emergency leave
2007-03-29 22:39:36 · answer #2 · answered by NavyVetDeb 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes and No. It depends on the operation commitments of the active duty member. If it is a parent, they will do anything possible to grant the leave, but sometimes duty has to come first when the operational need is great. A family member will need to send an American Red Cross Message to the service members command and then they will decide if leave can be granted.
2007-03-30 03:13:21 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best source you will find for this answer is to contact your local red cross office. Bereavement leave begins there. They will contact the command and arrange transport for the soldier back home. This does normally have to be immediate family as defined by Grandparent to child. That simply means uncles and cousins may not get your soldier home on anything other than normal chargeable leave.
Although the red cross can and will do all they can to get you home, the funds expended are not gifts. The soldier will have to repay them if they choose to accept the help.
2007-03-29 20:04:34 · answer #4 · answered by Sure you are.... 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They "can" get up to 4 days, this is true. However, they may not get any time based on the current mission of the unit. If the soldier is deployed and is in a mission essential position, he or she may not be granted the leave to attend the funeral. This would normally fall under "emergency leave" and a red cross message will have to be sent to verify the authenticity of the death.
2007-03-29 19:42:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
While I was stationed overseas I was allowed to return home for a funeral. I was allowed to use what ever leave I had saved up. However, you will not be allowed to take emergency leave unless there is a Red Cross notification. The one person is correct however, you can be turned down if your unit needs you to stay so they can do the mission.
2007-03-29 19:56:09 · answer #6 · answered by Raptork9 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I contacted the Red Cross when I had a family emergency of that sort and they helped me get my son (Navy ) home from the Mediterranean. That was right after the first Gulf War - I am not sure if they will let them come home if they are in Iraq.
2007-03-29 19:43:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the situation and if you are deployed and where.
I was in the Air Force and a friend of mine received a 10 day furlough from Bosnia because his brother passed away. It was not quite the same situation as a person deployed to Iraq, but there are similiarities.
It also depends on your unit and current mission.
2007-03-29 19:44:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they do get a leave, even in Vietnam they went home. I don't know the length of time anymore but bereavement leave was 2 weeks!
Listen to the one below as the US Army hides it well and I don't think it is 2 weeks!
2007-03-29 19:40:50 · answer #9 · answered by cantcu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother had a leave of absence for 4 hours to attend our father's funeral. From San Diego to Indiana and then back again all in the same day.
2007-03-29 19:35:59 · answer #10 · answered by lllll 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋