Final update on US Army Mom
After receiving numerous comments about the article on Specialist four Alexis Hutchinson's failure to deploy with her unit due to a glitch in her Family Care Plan. A final disposition has been rendered, lets look at how this plays out.
Facts as initially reported. Hutchinson's refusal to deploy was based on the fact that her mother who was originally listed as care giver for her infant son could no long serve as care giver. In addition, she could not find a suitable replacement. Therefore, Hutchinson decided her only alternative was to refuse deployment orders.
The verdict is in from the court of public opinion and it appears as they don't have much compassion, understanding or support for Hutchinson and her position. Although the one universal opinion is that her 10 month old son may very well be the victim of this selfish and cowardice scheme to defraud the government.
According to the comments received most oppose her refusal to deploy tactics. Some who support her do so by blaming the commander for not keeping her FCP up to date and valid. Howerver, none of her supporters agree with her approach.
Having served during Vietnam, I can only say that a commander is responsible for the overall operation of a given unit. However, they had the support of an executive officer ,first sergeant and company clerk who would routinely take on assignments like this. This leadership technique is called delegating authority or empowering subordinates. Thus, the support staff provides the commander with the ability to do what they do best, (command!) Therefore, blaming this on the commander is weak at best. Shouldn't the blame be placed squarely on the shoulders of the soldier, don't they understand and know the regulations? Or is it that they know how to circumnavigate the rules and policies placing the blame on the commander.
According to comments from Debra “ I found myself as a SFC going to my commander telling him that I needed my family care place validated because it was past due.” I didn't read that her commander refused to meet with her and validate the plan. This indicates to me that yes the commander is ultimately responsible but does this mean the soldier doesn't have any responsibility in brining this to the commanders attention?
Hutchinson was aware that her plan was no longer valid because she had knowledge that her mother wasn't able to care for her son while she was on extended deployment.
Angie wrote “I'm a combat-disabled female veteran from OIF, and I was a staff sergeant, so I know how the military works. Hutchinson, by regulation, was offered an honorable discharge during pregnancy, with all her military benefits intact, even including free maternity care and delivery at a military treatment facility she also could have received an honorable discharge at any earlier point earlier f she couldn't develop a valid family care plan. She decided to stay in and take the benefits that our country provides for those willing to risk their lives to defend it without intending to carry through on her end of the deal.”
HM2 Ewing wrote - She should be punished because she committed a crime according to the UCMJ. She had plenty of time to get her family care plan in order and to find someone to take care of the child. As harsh as it may seem, we are at war. She joined during a war and knew she might be deployed. If her service is needed, she needs to live up to her commitment”
Finally, Jane wrote - I know her for a fact. She and I hung out many times before we deployed. I guess I have to be woman enough to tell the truth. She didn't want to deploy because she thought the guy she was dating who is the marines was going to marry her and take her and her son in. The first thing she was going to try to use to get out was her asthma... But when she found out she wasn't getting med boarded she started asking people advice on how to pull her family care plan, im writing this as i sit on my bed in Afghanistan because im so tired of hearing about it. She should just be woman enough to say " I didn't want to go" instead of making it seem like the whole world is against her. Because truthfully speaking there was nothing anyone could do to help her because she started trying to pull her care plan almost a week before we were due to leave. Thats the truth. The truth she will never tell, but i have a kid to so do so many others who deployed here. So i will speak the truth on behalf of them
Final thoughts, Hutchinson was well aware of the rules and policies and signed a contract agreeing to the terms. Her avoidance and reluctance to deploy as ordered is not due to unsuitable care for her son. She had months to plan for this event but she failed to make necessary arrangements hoping that she would get a deferment to remain safe and sound stateside while others who have sons and daughters deployed as ordered. The court of public opinion has spoken and said, the military should get rid of her and anyone else who feels that they can't live up to their obligation. We can't win a war with soldiers who refuse deployment. She needs to pay for her crime.
You can reach John Rodda at letfreedomsing@yahoo.com
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