[Razwan]

You know, as a single parent (since '97) in the US Army...just feel like I have to comment

She had a viable plan to care for her kids when she was deployed, her ex just took the fact that she was gone to exploit the situation. No penalties should be attached to the Mom

Jeez, she joined the Nasty Guard...no benefits except while you are on duty (one weekend a month)...probably wanted to supplement her income, didnt whine when she was deployed...What else do you want from her???

[PLMerite]

"probably wanted to supplement her income.."

The military has become an alternative to welfare for some. I especially like the women who join the military (single), get pregnant (still single) and stay in for the benefits. I've seen it done more than once...a lot more.

[Orangedog]

probably wanted to supplement her income

Then she should have taken a weekend job at Walmart. It is damned irresponsible to have 7 kids with BOTH parents in the military...a situation where those 7 kids could lose both parents.

[68skylark]

I agree with you that it sounds like she's a good person who has gotten caught up in something that she probably couldn't have forseen. I certainly wouldn't want the Army to take out any harsh penalties on her (like jail time).

On the other hand, whenever deployment orders go out there are some people who will try to "game" the system to avoid unpleasant duty. If we let parents avoid a deployment when an ex-spouse kicks up a fuss or files a suit, it's opening the door to a few people to avoid their duty in the future.

I don't think there should be any harsh penalties in this case and I'm not angry at this mother. But for the good of the service I don't think the Army wants to let her get off with no penalty whatsoever -- that would just send a bad message to others. Something like a general discharge might be a good way to get this resolved and out of the news.