I need help with my Brother-in-law's deployment

[thinkingwoman]

We've just learned that my brother-in-law that is supposed to be sent to Iraq has been diagnosed bi-polar and that his doctors want to hospitalize him but won't because he got orders to go active and report to base.

Help.

What can we do? What should we be doing? He reports to base Monday but said his orders say he will not ship out for four months.

We don't think anyone should have to go to that hellhole in the sand but we definitely don't think a bi-polar should be carrying an assault rifle.

I'm looking for any help anyone can give...any advice. Please.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Can his wife get a medical report to his CO?

If it is so bad his doctors want to hospitalize him, they should be willing to send a report or talk with the CO, I would think.

[thinkingwoman]

3. he's not married

he's my husband's brother and my hubby is PISSED that he's just finding all of this out.

My bro-in-law is taking his medical records with him to the base. Maybe we'll get lucky.

[Gormy Cuss]

11. You may get lucky.

The military isn't yet as desperate as they were in 'Nam as far as I can tell. A person with bi-polar disorder in a stressful situation like war sounds like a major problem waiting to happen.

Meanwhile, hubby and his family can chose to make every effort that the full medical records are available. If someone knows the name of his doctor, the family should call and state that he is being mobilized and provide the mobilization info. The doctors need not say anything in response nor breach his confidentiality, but the doctor can not ignore the call. With any luck the doctor will follow up.

[kikiek]

2. I would think that is reason for a deferment. Has he brought in medical

proof of his diagnosis?

[thinkingwoman]

5. from what we know

he's doing so Monday.

[ingabingabunga]

4. See my comment in the other post.

An idea. Might work.

[thinkingwoman]

6. ok, thanks. nt.

[newyawker99]

19. Hi ingabingabunga!!

Welcome to DU!!

[sandnsea]

7. Interesting b-i-l story here

My daughter's b-i-l is Navy, the upshot is that he's been an officer for 7 or 8 years and was in the Gulf just after the war started. He got diagnosed with bi-polar this year due to problems with his wife and other stateside behaviors. Now just how in the hell do you spend time on a ship and the Navy NOT NOTICE you're bi-polar. They pick him for AWOL or something he's done, put him in for observation, he signs himself out and it starts all over again.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be getting an independent diagnosis and take it to the JAG. And make it clear you will hire a civilian lawyer if they don't give the b-i-l a medical discharge immediately.
The military isn't supposed to take people with mental illness diagnoses.

[thinkingwoman]

10. excellent

Thank you so much. I've already been yelling "hire a lawyer now!" I think this will help get that done.

[kikiek]

12. Please update when you can.

[thinkingwoman]

14. absolutely

We probably won't know much until late Monday or Tuesday...that will be our first clue as to how the military intends to react.

[bonito]

8. OK Contact your congressman and state senator

and state level military authority, explain everything in detail. Make sure everything is in writing and cc copy's to all. And follow up. peace

[ingabingabunga]

9. Here is a link to the law in Indiana

http://www.psychlaws.org/LegalResources/StateLaws/India...

[Horse with no Name]

13. The Doctor should report it

Just like they will report to the state to have your driver's license revoked if you get to where you are unsafe to drive.
Just ask the doctor to file the necessary papers.

[thinkingwoman]

15. thanks to all for support and advice!

We're developing an action plan tonight and getting started right away. If anyone thinks of anything else, feel free to pm me. Thanks!

[cynatnite]

16. Military physicain, chaplain, and his commanding officer...

The reason I mention the chaplain is because those guys can get stuff done. They can jump through a lot of red tape much faster than most. I've seen them do it with soldiers who found themselves in extenuating circumstances.

Just make sure he has all the needed paperwork and he will need to report to at the very least...a physician before taking another step.

Most commanding officers know how serious this is and when it comes to going to combat, they are not going to want a person with his problems in the unit.

[thinkingwoman]

18. he mentioned talking to a chaplain

I don't know how much they have talked but he is working with one so maybe that will help move things along.

He told my hubby last night that if this was 2 years ago, he would be going to war. He wouldn't like it, but he would go because he volunteered to serve and that is his obligation...but in the past few months his life has completely changed and spiraled (as he slid into a depressive cycle) and now that he's been diagnosed he feels shaky and unsure of himself and doesn't think he can adequately do his job, which we feel isn't fair to the guy/gal next to him in a war zone, let alone him.

It's so frustrating because hubby's parents and 2 brothers kept this all to themselves when they are actually the least qualified to do what needed to be done about it. There are 5 brothers in all and we can make quite a racket on his behalf, but hubby and I are coming late to the party when we're the most equipped to research options and carry them out.

[IN-dem]

17. kick

[annabanana]

20. kick . . . n/t