I have a military question

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I need help - I need to know if anyone knows - when you enlist in active duty for the military as a single parent - do you have to sign custody of your kids over to someone else - or do you only have to do that if you were to go to war or something like that? Any help in this matter would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Check with your recruiter. There are different rules for different specialties.

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No, you do not have to give up custody of your children. You do however, need to have arrangements in place in the event you were deployed. There are specific forms and a legal process the military will need you to complete. A recruiter is NOT the person to ask with regards to the details of such issues. If you need more information, have your recruiter get you in contact with someone who is a legitimate resource on the issue. Each branch is a little different as to with whom you should speak regarding these issues.

Are you enlisting? Or accepting a commission as an officer?

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I have served in the Air Force for 16 years now. 11 years as enlisted and 5 years as an officer. I can answer a few questions for you, but the more detailed questions will need to be answered by your commander or first Sgt.

You do not need to sign over custody of your children!!!!! BUT, you do need to be sure that in the event that you are deployed, your children will be taken care of. This means that you will need to find someone you trust to care for your children for an extended period of time and give them Power of Attorney. You will also need to ensure that you have a will drawn up indicating who will care for your children in the event you do not come back. (this is where you may be getting confused related to signing custody of your children.) The legal department will help you with all of this (actually, it is mandatory).

Related to your recuiter, maturner if very correct in that he will not help you at all. What specialty are you trying to get into and what branch of service? I will try to help you and direct you as best as I can.

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The rules vary depending upon what branch...Don't rely on the recruiter as they often will tell you pretty much anything you want to hear in order to recruit you. Power of attorney and a viable plan should something occur to you DOES have to be filled out...

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