Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 7/1/2009

Question
dear sir, I  am currently stationed in california, i have been for about 5 months now, my wife and i are very unhappy here, and our cost of living is way too high for my pay grade, she is constantly talking about divorce, and some suicidal thoughts. we currently live off post, for the extra BAH that we get to pocket, but the distance from here to post is about 40 miles, and moving on post would cancel all the extra money we need, with out that money we wouldnt have  enouph to pay our bills, and the distance for me to see an off post doctor for certain medical reasons is about an hour of driving and way too costly for our finances, my question is is my wifes issues and mine enouph reason for us to be aproved for a compasionate reassignment to fort bragg, N.C.? thank you

Answer
You need to look at AR 614-200 page 44 where it discusses compassionate reassignments. It says that what you described is really not enough to be granted a compassionate reassignment and I have honestly never seen one granted for anything less than family members that are critically or terminally ill. They also don't happen overnight. In my limited experience the paperwork takes at least 4-5 months. You should be referred to both the chaplain and Army Community Service. They have programs and counseling in place to assist you in making the best of your current situation both financially and emotionally.