Family Emergencies And Contacts

Your family should keep a copy of your orders and contact the American Red Cross Hero Care Network. The Red Cross will collect and verify the information and determine whether the situation qualifies for an emergency notification. The verified notification is then transmitted to the appropriate military command so a decision can be made about emergency leave.

What may happen next: Based on the local process described for this FAQ, the trainee may choose whether to act on an approved emergency-leave opportunity. If the trainee leaves BMT, the expected absence may be approximately one week, the trainee may be responsible for the travel expense, and the trainee will likely need to join a different flight when returning. Using an approved emergency process is not treated as punishment, although it may change the training and graduation timeline.

Policy distinction to retain: The American Red Cross verifies the emergency; it does not authorize military leave. The commander makes the leave decision. The exact leave duration, financial assistance, travel responsibility, and training consequences should be confirmed under the policy in effect when the emergency occurs.

American Red Cross Hero Care Network: 877-272-7337 (24 hours a day). Emergency communication information

General rule: The most recent BMT information email, orders, amended orders, and instructions provided during out-processing or training control what applies. This FAQ explains the local process in more detail but does not replace newer written guidance.

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