Sailors who must complete family care plans before deploying have more flexibility, under a new policy announced Nov. 23 by the Navy Personnel Command. Under the change, those sailors who are facing deployments to areas where they would collect area authorized danger pay can request deferments due to unforeseen circumstances. Ultimate acceptance or rejection of such requests would rest with commanding officers. The new policy does not specify "unforeseen circumstances." Rather, applicants and commanders should rely upon OPNAVINST 1740.4D for guidance. Generally, any sailor responsible for care of children or adults family members who cannot care for themselves must complete a family care plan.
