Deployed Soldiers and Their Travel Home: Myths and Facts
When a service member is deployed, they often wonder about their travel arrangements when it's time to head home. Many people claim that soldiers can come home for free, or that they can even arrange emergency leave simply by reaching out to certain websites. However, there are a few key points to clarify regarding travel, leave, and the legitimate ways that soldiers can get home.
Myth: Deployed Soldiers Can Arrive Home for Free
One of the most common myths is that deployed soldiers can come home for free, no matter what. This is a classic scam. Anyone claiming to know about free travel or that a soldier can come home for free is a scammer. Soldiers do not receive a free trip home automatically; they need to follow the proper procedures, which we will discuss in detail below.
Finding Emergency and Routine Leave
Although it's true that deployed soldiers can apply for leave, this process is not as straightforward as people might think. There are situations where soldiers can request emergency leave, such as a family emergency or personal health issues. However, these requests are usually made with the assistance of the American Red Cross.
Every soldier should know that these situations are handled through official channels, including the Red Cross or military command. No one should ever have to pay to get emergency leave. If someone claims to offer emergency leave for a price, this is a huge red flag and a scam.
Red Cross Assistance and Emergency Travel
In the case of an immediate family member's death, the American Red Cross will notify the soldier. All travel arrangements, including flights, will be handled by the Red Cross and the soldier's chain of command. Soldiers do not need to pay for these services, nor do they need to fill out any forms. Any claims to the contrary are fraudulent.
Spac A Travel and Commercial Flights
Space A (S.A.) travel is reserved for those stationed on a military base. It is not a guaranteed form of free travel home, and even soldiers on a base may have to purchase their own plane tickets for commercial flights. The availability of Space A travel is subject to the needs of the military and may not always be available.
Many military personnel, especially those on shorter deployments, have to pay for their own plane tickets. This is because commercial flights are their only option, and the military does not provide free commercial travel home. However, in the rare case where a soldier needs to return home due to a Red Cross-issued emergency, the service member's travel may be arranged for free.
Physical and Mental Health
Soldiers sometimes need to come home due to health issues. In such cases, the military provides support and assistance. If a service member is injured or is experiencing mental health issues, they can request a return to the United States with the help of the Red Cross. Physical and mental health issues are taken seriously, and the military will arrange for the soldier to be transported home.
When a soldier is medically cleared to return, they will be provided with a ride back to the United States and to their home. This process is typically handled by the Department of Defense and is not something that can be arranged by the service member themselves.
Remember, if someone is claiming that a deployed soldier needs money to come home, especially from a deployable billet, they are a scammer. Always verify any claims with official military channels, such as the Red Cross or the military command.
It's important for everyone to be aware of the realities of military travel and leave policies. By understanding these key points, you can better protect yourself from scammers and trusted information about military travel and leave.