Pregnancy and Military Deployment: Myths Debunked

When a soldier receives an order, they are expected to comply, regardless of their spouse's pregnancy status. However, like many aspects of military life, there are some misconceptions surrounding deployment and pregnancy. This article aims to clarify these myths and provide a clearer understanding of the rules and regulations surrounding deployment and pregnancy.

Deployment During Pregnancy

It is a common misconception that if your spouse is deployed while you are pregnant, you are not required to go with them. In reality, pregnant service members do not deploy. Military regulations state that pregnant service members are not assigned to deployments due to the potential risks to their health and the health of the baby.

Proof of Medical Necessity

In some extreme cases, where a pregnant service member's health is at risk due to complications, they may be granted a pass on deployment. However, this decision requires strong medical justification and evidence to support it. The service member must demonstrate that the deployment poses a significant risk to their health or the health of their unborn child.

Deployment and Over-Sea Posting

It's important to understand the difference between deployment and over-sea posting. A deployment is a temporary assignment as part of a unit, usually lasting between 6 to 13 months, with a return to the original station. An over-sea posting, on the other hand, refers to an individual transferring to another unit and can last up to 36 months or more.

A deployed service member can learn about their child's birth through letters or emails. This is a common practice, and the timing of the deployment does not affect the rights of the pregnant partner.

Accompanied vs. Unaccompanied Orders

In cases where the service member is deployed but needs to separate from their spouse, they can receive 'unaccompanied orders.' These orders allow one member of the couple to move to a new duty station while the other remains in the United States. These orders are typically for 2 years or less and are often used when one partner needs to deploy to a different location.

For 'accompanied orders,' the opposite is true: both spouses and their children move together to the new location. However, in cases where the pregnant spouse cannot deploy, they will not receive these orders. The goal is to protect the health and well-being of the pregnant service member and their child.

Practical Considerations

Deployments and over-sea postings can pose challenges, especially for pregnant service members and their families. In some cases, there may be an issue with housing for the family, which can be difficult when traveling. Additionally, there might be concerns about the potential risks associated with the pregnancy if traveling.

Summary of Key Points

Pregnant service members do not deploy. Spouses can receive 'unaccompanied orders' to a new station, while the pregnant partner remains in the United States. Differences between deployment and over-sea posting. Medical justification required for exempting pregnant service members from deployment.

For a detailed understanding, it's crucial to consult official military guidelines and speak with a superior officer or a legal advisor. Ensuring the health and safety of the pregnant service member and their baby is always the top priority.