I am a nonrate stationed on a cutter on the other side of the country.  My grandmother has been fighting cancer and my cousin Is suffering from injuries from a recent car accident. I feel so helpless. How do I go about requesting a transfer to be closer to my family members. I've read about humanitarian transfers but I'm unsure on how to go about it.

Your YN will be able to explain the procedure and have the paperwork that you'll submit via your chain of command. Also let your chain know what's going on so they're not blindsided.

Best of luck

Or you could always try the mutual transfer option (after you've notified your command). I believe humanitarian transfers have some restrictions as to members of your family that would qualify. Normally it's for situations regarding dependents, but hey, doesn't hurt to ask.

Posted By ojrivera on 14 May 2016 06:12 PM
Or you could always try the mutual transfer option (after you've notified your command). I believe humanitarian transfers have some restrictions as to members of your family that would qualify. Normally it's for situations regarding dependents, but hey, doesn't hurt to ask.

With a mutual, the member is on the hook for the costs of the move.  Since the OP is a non rate, this might be cost prohibitive

I'd say your best bet would be to get some emergency leave, permissive orders, or try to get sent TDY for a little bit of time. Going TDY might be the easiest option and least amount of work for everybody with a good amount of time for you to spend with your grandma. Or, you can just use some of your leave as a trial to see what you can actually do. Thats what I have done when I've had family members or friends in need of help. Let your command know whats going on, ask for some leave, and then when you get back, you can discuss more options with them.

TDY is definitely the easiest option, humanitarian transfers are only for immediate family members or in a circumstance that your family member doesn't have anyone else to help. It's also very hard to make someone that's not your immediate family member (unless you borned or adopted them) your dependant because they'll stay your dependant pretty much forever.

I am sorry you are going through this, this is one of the toughest parts about being in the military. Just try and talk with your command. Being a nonrate, if they do transfer you, I wouldn't expect to also then go to a-school, because since you had to move, then they aren't going to move you to a-school if you demonstrated that you needed to be there for family. That doesn't count if it's a mutual though.