Can a Deployed US Army Soldier Return Home Immediately?

The ability of a deployed US Army soldier to return home varies based on several factors. This article aims to clarify the conditions under which a soldier can return to their home base or go home under special circumstances.

Returning Home in Emergency Situations

Yes, in certain emergency situations, a deployed soldier can return home. These emergencies typically involve a close family member such as a parent, spouse, or child. If a close family member is terminally ill or has passed away, the military often grants leave to the soldier to be with the family in this difficult time. Similarly, if the soldier is injured severely enough to no longer be able to perform their duties, they can request a hazardous duty assignment or a medical discharge, potentially allowing them to return home.

Deployment Completion and Regular Leave

Once a soldier's deployment is over, they will return home with their unit, typically to the military base from which they were deployed. Units, not individuals, deploy. This means that while a soldier can ask for leave, they will still be required to return to the base until the entire unit can be fully relieved. This is to ensure the continuity of operations and to provide adequate time for the replacement soldiers to be trained and integrated into the unit.

Historical Context: 1968 CONUS Leave

Interestingly, in 1968 during the Vietnam War, there were rare instances where soldiers could enjoy a 30-day CONUS leave (Contiguous United States leave) from the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in Korea. However, these were extremely rare and required a strong internal network to enable such requests. Due to the nature of military operations and the limited resources available, these leaves were exceptionally difficult to obtain, and were granted sparingly to ensure mission continuity and unit readiness.

Red Cross Verification and Legitimate Emergencies

In almost all cases, a deployed soldier can only return home due to a verified immediate family emergency, as certified by the American Red Cross. This stringent requirement ensures that only genuine and urgent situations warrant the soldier's return, such as the death of an immediate family member. While various other agencies or individuals might have some sway, unauthorized or non-urgent requests are unlikely to be honored.

Challenges and Realities of Deployment

Deployments are demanding and often not a leisurely activity. Soldiers must focus on their mission and responsibilities, which require their full attention. The military has specific protocols for moving troops in and out of theater, including special flights and chartered civilian airlines, but this does not equate to the civilian concept of a "vacation."

Units, not individuals, deploy. Therefore, even when a soldier is granted leave, they will still need to return to the base depending on the completion of the unit's mission. The military places great emphasis on the continuity of operations and mission completion. A soldier’s absence can disrupt the overall mission, as there might be no one else qualified to perform their duties in their absence. Additionally, deployments are designed to be for a defined period, and soldiers are expected to serve their full term unless a compelling emergency situation arises.

Conclusion

The ability of a deployed US Army soldier to return home depends on specific circumstances, primarily involving family emergencies. Regular leave is only possible after the deployment has ended, and units typically return to their home base. The military places a high value on continuity and mission success, which often limits individual requests to leave without the unit.