Understanding the Process for Military Members to Obtain Emergency Leave for Family Emergencies

The process for military members to obtain permission to go home due to an emergency family situation is well-documented and involves several key steps and organizations. One of the most straightforward ways to initiate this process is by contacting the American Red Cross. This non-profit organization provides important support for military families and offers a formal procedure to activate emergency leave.

Initiating the Process through the American Red Cross

The easiest way for family members to initiate the process is by contacting the American Red Cross. Family members can call or visit their local Red Cross office to report a specific situation. This formal procedure is regularly briefed to military personnel, whether they are currently deployed or preparing to deploy.

The Red Cross will then take steps to notify the service member's commanding officer about the situation. This process is facilitated by engaging the unit chaplain, who will communicate the necessary details to the military member. Once the service member is informed, they can proceed to request emergency leave.

Families can also volunteer to become volunteers for the Red Cross, taking part in this service. By contacting your local Red Cross and asking to assist, you can contribute to this important mission of supporting military families.

Obtaining Emergency Leave

To obtain emergency leave, you will typically go through the chain of command, often with the help of the Religious Officer or the Command Chaplain. For example, if a family member dies or is critically injured in an accident, a relative, spouse, or parent can contact the Red Cross, who will then activate the emergency leave process. This is a formal request made via the appropriate channels.

One important point to note is that while the Red Cross conducts the initial verification, the service member must still get permission from their commanding officer. The military member is then responsible for covering any travel costs associated with the leave.

While the process is relatively straightforward, it is crucial that the notification to the commanding officer comes from an official source, such as a spouse, parent, or immediate family member in a serious condition. This ensures that the situation is validated and appropriate permissions can be granted.

Overview of the British Army's Policy on Emergency Leave

For a comparative view, the British Army had similar but slightly different policies in the past. In the British Army, the policy mainly applied to immediate family members. For instance, during the author's service, they were not allowed to attend their grandmother's funeral, despite the situation being an emergency. Conversely, when the author's best friend passed away, they were granted immediate leave to attend the funeral.

This variation in procedures illustrates that the decision to grant emergency leave often depends on the commanding officer's discretion. While the process through the American Red Cross is more standardized, the final decision is made by the military hierarchy, ensuring that urgent family situations are addressed appropriately.

Understanding these procedures and the roles of different organizations can help military families prepare and respond more effectively to emergencies, ensuring that service members receive the support they need to manage their responsibilities both for their duties and their families.