Once again we are victims of bureaucracy. Let’s start with some facts.
-Current orders end August 15th. That’s FORTY DAYS.
-We have TWO EFMP kids.
-TWO schools to find if we have to PCS
- TWO IEPs that need moved.
-THREE therapists to coordinate (Still on the wait list for one, or it would be FOUR).
-FOUR specialists to coordinate x2 kids.
SIX MONTHS ago, we were struck with the dilemma of do we say something, and then run the risk of being labeled a pain in the ass, then risk getting a crappy assignment, or do we wait for directions on what is needed for this retention board my husband has to go through after his first assignment on AGR? We waited. FOUR MONTHS out, they sent guidance. The board met JUNE 30th. That would be FORTY SEVEN DAYS before his current orders expire. Can you say inefficient? Can you say we’re NOT moving? Can you say they need to find him a job in this area? Yes, yes, the needs of the Army, blah blah blah. Guess what? THEY were the ones who didn’t do their jobs properly. They knew they had to put him through this board. They can look in his file and see he’s got TWO EFMP family members. And if they want us to PCS, the first question out of my mouth will be “WHY do we have EFMP if they don’t take it into consideration?” If they think I can move this household and coordinate all the care the kids need without all of us losing our minds in FORTY DAYS, someone’s sniffing some serious glue.
Also, we were supposed to have orders yesterday. Supposedly the person who sends them was out until today. Seriously? One of the largest National Guard forces only has ONE PERSON to cut orders? What happens if they get hit by a bus? That is unacceptable. We have now missed a couple suspenses for things that would improve our family’s quality of life on post. Thank you PA National Guard. We have not started off on a very good foot. *
*Depending on what orders say today, I may have more to add to this.
I hate units that give last minute orders for Reservist & (in your case) NG! My husband’s previous 2 units were really bad about that. While none of them involved a PCS, still last-minute deployment orders, classes, travel still cause problems, he’s a contractor that has had to call up civilian clients and tell them, “I just found out I have to leave in a few days for a month, so I can’t repair your house until I get back.” Great for business. My mom used to work at a school, so I know the IEP stuff can be a pain as well. I wish you lots and lots of luck with all of this you have to deal with quickly!
This is about the time I’m glad DH never followed through with his idea to enlist. I cannot imagine that life with a kid like Ian . I know folks that do it but golly ned, this is hard enough staying in one place. ACK!
Ugggh. Bangs head on desk.
I’m sorry you have to go through this.
I honestly don’t know how you control yourself. I have a serious snark problem, and I end up asking questions like: “Well, the problem is that I’m not sure who’s not doing his or her job, but this has become a serious problem. What makes job so special that he/she doesn’t have to perform the duties in a timely manner? Is there some extenuating circumstance I’m not taking into consideration? Please, explain the chain of events to me. I’d like to know how this happened.”
Husband is terrified of what would happen if I ever got to go into the finance office at our current post. Good luck! <– I feel so cheap saying that, but I don't have any other words. Blegh. Eff the military.
Everyone knew upon completion of the first set of orders, my husband would have to go through a retention board since coming to AGR. Everyone on AGR does it after the first assignment. Someone failed to realize we have 2 EFMP kids and collect and convene the board sooner than June 30, 2011 when our current orders run out August 14, 2001. When we found out the board was meeting June 30, we immediately told them if we had orders before July 2 we could possibly get into one of the new houses on post now as they are tearing this house down next summer. This notice was given June 2. It was said this wouldn’t be a problem. It became a problem, and the shitstorm started yesterday when a Chief tried to say he was not informed of the need to expedite our orders when in fact his office was and my husband’s boss heard the person in her office make that phone call. But, it took us finding out who dropped the ball and a slew of emails to get orders so that now, less than 40 days out we can at least continue in the house we’re currently in and renew my ID and get our newly minted 10yo his ID so we can get benefits on post. Something that shouldn’t have to happen that way. Had the orders changed from what we had verbally been told that we were staying here for the time being, I would have stepped in for the good of our children. I cannot move their services on that short of notice, and with no family in the area, I NEED my husband here as much as humanly possible for a move. My husband claims a move isn’t enough to keep him here. Of course that’s where my snark came in and I said, “Then they can send me someone from the office to help with 2 autistic kids and movers.” Also, if they’re going to move us after this year as has verbally been discussed, they need to get on the stick now so that by this winter, I am looking at schools and doctors in our new location. The plus in all of this is being AGR Guard, we stay in state, and it’s our native state, so we have somewhat of an idea where some things are in other areas. I can’t imagine going through all of this with 2 special needs children and moving across states or to other countries.
Trust me, the snark is there. It’s caused some ripples in units, but good ones because it was people not doing their jobs properly. Yes, I’m sure some have called me *that* wife, but really, if my husband says, “Well, she IS right,” when confronted, then I know I’m not completely off my rocker. Almost 11 years of this has taught me when to let him handle it, and when to raise holy hell myself. The blog helps too.
Oy, this can’t be easy to live through! I’m waiting to hear the rest of the story and I hope it’s good news!
That has got to be so incredibly annoying. You are a much better woman than me, because I don’t think I could deal with it.
I’m really glad you guys have orders now. I remember how stressful it was on my parents and we didn’t have to deal with half of what you do.
I have an EFMP child and I don’t think the Navy really cares either. My son is a level 5 under EFMP, so it is rather difficult for the Navy to move us. It seems like everytime I advocate on behalf of my family, the think I am a b**** too. So we pretty much got the choice of staying here and having my husband go to Afghanistan for 18 months, or us staying here and my husband being shipped to Gulfport, then Port Hueneme and then an overseas stint in the Pacific for 18+ months. (I think they’re a**holes, and my husband thinks they are considerate given that the Navy comes first).
AND we got last minute orders as well. 30 days, no schedule in place, deployment moved up, and when we went to his new duty station they told me not to plan on seeing my husband once he checks in.
I basically told my husband that if the Navy moves us, I need to be a stay-at home mom again because there is no way to care for a special needs child and set up all new home, school, therapists, and support network while working full-time.
I guess we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. But I hear you sista.