Separation from Army reserves because of pregnancy?

Question

I am an Army reservist. I found out last weekend I was pregnant. This will be my second child. With my first pregnancy my unit did not counsel or advise me when I was pregnant. In fact my unit did not know the first thing to do. I never received maturnaity uniforms and was told I had to wear my PT uniform even when it became tight. I was sent to drivers training at 6 months. When I returned to drill after 3 months I was told that needed to particpate in a PT test. My husband is in the Navy reserves. I spend more for child care for one weekend than what I make at drill. This pregnancy I want to know what my options are. Can I separate from the reserves with an honarable discharge? Where can I find the information to present to my unit? Are there other guidelines I should know about and where can I think them?
Thank you.

Answer 1

My husband has been in the Army for 6 years and this is what he has to offer. Look at AR 635-200, paragraph 1-16, 1-36, 5-11, 6-3, and Chapter 8. Also, AR 40-400, paragraph 2-2, 2-8, and 3-39. Here is a weblink as well that seems to give even more info on the process. You should be able to voluntarily seperate. http://www.lee.army.mil/SJA/Admin%20Separation%20Handbook.html

Answer 2

Pregnancy Counseling Army

Answer 3

Army Pregnancy Counseling

Answer 4

You need to obtain a copy of AR 635-200. That's the adminitrative guide for separations from the Army. Chapter 8 deals with separation for pregnancy. That chapter also contains the guide for the required counseling of the member. Armed with the information you should request an appearance before your commanding officer under Article 138 of the Uniformed Code of Military Justice to seek redress of your grievances.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

here is what i found
Military regulations do allow for a pregnant soldier to be released from active duty. Upon medical confirmation of pregnancy, all soldiers will be counseled by their unit commander concerning their options and responsibilities. They will be allowed up to 7 days to choose to remain on active duty or be separated not later than 30 days prior to the expected date of delivery or the latest date the military physician determines the soldier can travel. If a soldier has not completed the initial statutory obligation, she will be transferred to the Inactive Ready Reserve until such time. If she has completed it, she will be discharged. She will receive an honorable discharge unless her record of service indicates otherwise. If she chooses to remain on active duty, she will be expected to fully perform all assigned duties, deploy wherever the Army needs her & make all appropriate arrangements for the care of her dependents.
Chapter 6, AR 635-200, Hardship Discharge which covers any family situation wherein the soldier's discharge would alleviate the hardship (parenthood, death in family, etc). This is solely up to the discretion of the approval authority. However, Chapter 8, AR 635-200, requires that every pregnant soldier shall be counseled in regards to their options & responsibilities AND specifically authorizes the discharge of pregnant soldiers if that is the option chosen by the pregnant soldier. It is not the commander's or the separation authority's discretion. If the pregnant soldier chooses to be released from active duty, it is processed, ALWAYS

Good luck

Answer 6

Your unit should have a retention NCO. That would be a good place to start. The unit admin clerk should also be able to help you. I am pretty sure you can get an honorable discharge, or at least a medical discharge (also considered honorable). If your unit gives you a hard time, go see the Equal Opportunity NCO/ Officer. Good Luck.

Answer 7

I agree with what everyone has said above.

I am a AGR Battalion Personnel Sergeant in the Army Reserve and I deal with this everyday day.

If you wish to get out due to pregnancy, there is little that the Army can do to force you to stay in.

It is a honorable discharge, meaning you can come back in if you so choose when your life isn't so hecktic with raising 2 little ones.

Answer 8

I was released from the army reserves when I got pregnant with my son. I had to get a letter from my doctor proving that I was pregnant, and I was discharged a few months later. It was a general discharge not dishonorable. I didn't know who to talk to about it either, so I talked to my recruiter that put me in, and they helped me get all the paperwork together. It was really simple. Good luck.

Answer 9

They should offer maternity leave for you, for almost 6 months, (they wont pay for it being that your reserve and not active)
Someone else I know was discharge after she was pregnant but i'm not sure how she went about it.
Also if your unit doesnt know whats going on, go back to a recruiter and ask, there should be no reason that they cant answer your questions for you.