Can my husband be deployed if I have a terminal illness?

Question

I support my husband's career and have been very supportive during all of his past deployments. However, since his last tour, I have been diagnosed with a very serious illness that will require me to have frequent treatments to sustain my life. Not only are these treatments time consuming, but they also carry many risks. I am afraid of him being so far away and worrying about me-which increases danger. Also, fear the scenario of our son being alone if something happens to me...until they can get him home.Any info would be helpful.

Answer 1

i assume you are talking about your husband having a military career. in that case, if your condition is terminal in that death is imminent, he could request a compassionate reassignment to stay close to home, but that is usually only guaranteed for one year.

If your condition is acute (ongoing illness) then he probably would not qualify, although you could try it anyway. the worst they could say is no.

the only other alternative is for your husband to seek other employment (if he is not in the military)

as far as your son, prepare your estate planning documents such as medical power of attorney and special guardianship in case your husband is away and you become incapacitated.

make sure your neighbors, and/or a trusted close friend has all pertinent information to contact your husband and your emergency contact person to take care of things.

good luck to you

Answer 2

The military has always been a compassionate to its members. In short, you husband will be useless to his command if he is thinking of you and your terminal illness constantly. It is better to send him to be with you as opposed to having him in a place where he will not be effective. Please don't misunderstand, I am not saying you husband is useless, after all he is a professional that takes pride in his career (I've been there). What I am saying is that despite his professionalism, his mind and heart are with you.

Any commander Worth his combat boots will understand this and take care of him. Although technically he can be deployed because his first obligation should be to the service, it is unlikely because the military operates with common sense. Commanders understand that your husband has responsibilities to you and they will try to help him in anyway possible.

As someone mention there are such as options as compassionate discharge, or a even leave. You could even speak to a chaplin, they are great for things like this. Sometimes the chaplin has a lot more pull that you'd suspect.

My advise to you is simple. Don't worry, things will work out, you husband will be there for you and your son.

Answer 3

There is a program that is called the EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) which will at times restrict the number of places that service member can go and/or be stationed due to a family members medical problems. These problems can sometimes range widely, but it would be up to your doctor's and your husbands chain of command in order to get the ball rolling on the paperwork necessary for him to stay home. I would advise you to talk to your physician and request that EFMP paperwork be initiated as soon as possible. Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 4

Compassionate/Humanitarian reassignements are typically short term in length.. no more than a year or two.

after that,sorry, but he will be expected to fulfill his duties just like normal. I too, have a life threatening, LT illness, Mine deploys just like everybody else.

he may have to persue a Compassionate Discharge if there truly is no other person who can help.. and frankly, the military will look at not only family members, but also the command as well. If they determine that you will have adequate care and support, they can deny it.

Answer 5

In my experience he will not be deployed. We have had several husbands brought home because their wife has cancer or seriously injured in car accidents. He will most likely be part of Rear D. The military is usually pretty good about stuff like this but you must submit the medical paper work and dig through the BS. You can also get a hardship discharge. Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 6

I have a friend who's husband just got a humanitarian assignment. It is because of their son. He is not terminally ill, but has many medical problems and is in and out of the hospital. He was reassigned from a special duty assignment, it took them about 7 months to get him back with them.

So yes, it can be done.

Answer 7

This can depend on his commander and coloniel. Also if you are not dying persay than yes he can be deployed. But again, the commander and coloniel have final say. They can let him stay behind and be part of rear d.

You will need to have documentation and be able to give all of this to the commander. Try to have the chaplin fill out a letter of compassion for you guys.

But if you have an asshole for a commander, then he will not care. The mission to him will come first and he will take your spouse.

Sorry to say that but it is true. There are many out there who will go and again there are many soldiers out there who will be able to leave all depends on the mood of the commander. I have dealt with both types before in my husbands career.

Answer 8

The world over, men in uniform are very compassionate, very civil and correct in their 'code': certainly, in genuine cases of grave family problems warranting tha man's presence at or near home, availability at short call, a 'soft' posting will be considered. Your intimation to the authorities, of course, needs to be clearly made out, supported by the minimum essential papers!

Answer 9

NO, if you have family problems or life threatening medical issues your husband can request to stay at home, and 99.9% of the time it will be granted on the basis of family emergency.
Good luck to your family...talk to the base chaplin for further help.

Answer 10

He can always apply for a hardship transger or discharge. Other wise, he still has to deploy.