Is It Possible to Enquire About a Soldier's Assignment Status Through Their Unit's Administrative Office?

When it comes to getting information about an active duty soldier's current assignment status, such as whether they have been deployed or not, there are certain limitations and considerations that must be taken into account. The Army prioritizes the privacy and operational security of its personnel to ensure mission readiness and safety.

Privacy and Security Concerns Highlighted by the Army

The Army places a high emphasis on maintaining the privacy and security of its service members. One of the key reasons for this is to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands, which could compromise ongoing operations and the safety of military personnel. This means that requests for information about a soldier's status, including whether they have been deployed, cannot be fulfilled with a simple call to the unit's administrative office.

The Role of the Company Orderly Room

In the Army, the Company Orderly Room (CORDER) is the primary point of contact for administrative matters related to the unit. Any questions or requests related to a soldier's assignment status should be directed to the appropriate CORDER representative. It is important to note that even at the CORDER, information is closely guarded and would be unable to provide specific deployment details.

Example: If you were to call the CORDER and ask if a soldier has been deployed, the representative would likely refrain from providing any concrete information.

Procedures for Emergency Situations

While the Army does not allow for routine inquiries about a soldier's deployment status, there are specific procedures in place for addressing emergency situations, such as the death or imminent death of a close relative.

In cases where a family member needs to know this information due to an emergency, they can contact the American Red Cross. The Red Cross can then relay the information to the soldier, who may be granted emergency leave to return home and assist with the situation. These types of requests are handled on a case-by-case basis and are strictly regulated to maintain operational security.

Personal Experience: When my father passed away during my active duty at home station, I was able to return for his funeral through an emergency leave. However, my situation was unique, and the process was complex and time-consuming. It underscored the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations and the challenges of coordinating travel and military duties.

Operational Security and Information Control

Military units also have strict operational security (OPSEC) protocols in place to prevent sensitive information from being disclosed. Even when a soldier is aware of an impending deployment, they may be prohibited from contacting family members with this information as a precautionary measure. This is to prevent any potential security risks that could arise from loose lips.

Military leaders often remind personnel that even those sworn to secrecy can inadvertently leak critical information. The famous saying, "Loose lips sink ships," highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality in military operations.

Conclusion

While it is understandable to want to know about a soldier's deployment status, especially during emergency situations, the Army's policies and procedures are in place to protect mission readiness and the safety of its personnel. If you are in a situation where you need to know whether a soldier has been deployed due to an urgent need, contacting the American Red Cross may be the appropriate course of action.