Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/8/2010

Question
Hi my name is Nikki

I am married to a sailor and have 2 children and currently enlisted in the NAVY's DEP program set to ship February 16, 2010 about a month away.  I was enlisted before in another state but was discharged.  So i decided to enlist again,the problem is recently i found out that i was pregnant and have not made a decision about the pregnancy as of yet.  My question is if i decide to keep the child and not go to recruit training will this count against me since this is the second time?  Will i have another option on going in the future?  And how can i tell my recruiter this without feeling as if i wasted their time?

                                          Thanks

Answer
Dear Nikki,

You cannot attend basic training if you are pregnant.  If you decide to continue with your pregnancy, talk to your recruiter so you can get a pregnancy deferral.  If you decide to end your pregnancy, you must do so early enough that your hormones have recovered before you report to MEP, or your reception center.

You can also get released from your DEP contract, if you are pregnant.  It will be possible to enlist at a later date, if you so decide.  You must get released from your DEP contract before your report date.  Take a doctor's note with you confirming your pregnancy when you go to see your recruiter.  Do not worry about "wasted time" you must make the right decision based on the needs of your family and its future.

Please arrange for proper disposition of your DEP contract using one of the methods above.  If you choose to not show up on your report date, you will be considered Absent Without Leave (AWOL).  This is an offense for which you can be arrested. It would be tragic if you were to be arrested for failure to report for duty, while you are pregnant.  

Good luck to you and your family. Please write back, if you have additional questions or concerns.