Does a US Soldier Under the SOP Have to Pay to Leave From Where He is Deployed?

In general, U.S. military personnel are not required to pay for transportation to return home during authorized leave from deployment. The military typically covers the cost of travel for service members on leave, including flights or other transportation methods, as long as the leave is approved and follows the appropriate procedures outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of their unit.

However, there may be specific circumstances or policies that vary by branch of service, unit, or deployment location. For example, if a service member chooses to travel to a destination that is not the designated leave location or if they decide to extend their leave beyond what is authorized, they may incur costs. Additionally, any personal travel arrangements made outside of official leave may also be at the service member's expense.

Common Scams and Red Flags

It is crucial for service members to be vigilant and stay informed about policies and procedures related to leave. Scammers often exploit the generosity and willingness to help of U.S. military personnel deployed overseas by posing as someone in need of financial assistance.

The U.S. military has taken steps to address this issue, with various organizations like the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) providing guidance and resources to combat these scams. Here are some red flags to watch for:

No Sending Money: Be extremely suspicious if you are asked for money for transportation costs, communication fees, or marriage processing and medical fees via Western Union or other payment methods. Internet-Based Relationships: If you start an internet-based relationship with someone, check their claims with a current or former service member. Also, be very suspicious if you are unable to speak directly to the person on the phone or write letters to them. APO or FPO Mailing Addresses: Service members serving overseas will often have an APO or FPO mailing address. Be wary if you speak with someone who does not have a legitimate service address. :checked: Verification: Be wary of any claims that the military lacks support and services to troops overseas. Check the facts to ensure these statements are accurate. Suspicious Third Parties and Companies: Be very suspicious if you are asked to send money or ship property to a third party or company, or if the person is requesting you to mail anything to an African country. Language Errors: Be alert to common spelling, grammatical, or language errors in emails. Unfounded Love Claims: Be very suspicious of someone you have never met who pledges their love at warp speed, regardless of their alleged mission or situation.

Official Military Information

Following are statements directly from the U.S. Army, clarifying common misconceptions and scams:

Service members are not charged money so that they can go on leave.

No one is required to request leave on behalf of a service member.

A general officer will not correspond with you on behalf of a service member planning to take leave.

A general officer will not be a member of an internet dating site.

Service members are not charged money or taxes to secure communications or leave.

Service members do not need permission to get married.

Service members do not have to pay for early retirement.

Service members have medical insurance that covers themselves and their immediate family members, spouse, and children.

Army financial offices do not help service members buy or sell items of any kind.

Deployed service members do not need to solicit money from the public to feed or house their troops.

Service members deployed to combat zones do not need to solicit money from the public to feed or house their troops.

Deployed service members do not find large sums of money and do not need your help to get that money out of the country.

If the above information does not convince you that you are being scammed, it highlights just how prevalent these scams are and underscores the importance of staying informed and cautious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, service members should rely on official military channels and resources for accurate information regarding leave policies and procedures. Attempting to assist someone who is exploiting these policies could result in serious legal and personal consequences. Always verify information through the appropriate chain of command or official channels to ensure you are not being deceived.