Emergency Assistance

Circumstances can arise in transit that may cause a delay in arrival to your new station or cause you to miss your port call. If these circumstances are caused by emergency situations, such as death or critical illness in immediate family or a major car accident or breakdown, then the nearest American Red Cross can help. Phone numbers can be found in local community telephone directories or online. The American Red Cross will assist in verifying the emergency and notifying appropriate military authorities in accordance with regulations set by your branch of service.

Note: If your car breaks down, the American Red Cross could assist in notifying your commander of repair needs and time delays but cannot provide financial assistance for repairs.

The American Red Cross provides emergency leave reports at the request of service members, their families and commanding officers when serious illness, death or other urgent situations involve immediate family members. The American Red Cross obtains its report by a rapid communication network linked to other American Red Cross officers worldwide. These reports obtained from doctors, lawyers, teachers, ministers, social workers and family members are handled in strict confidence. The American Red Cross offers fact-finding services rather than recommendations in any of the situations about which it may be asked to report. Once the emergency situation has been verified, the American Red Cross will convey the information to the appropriate military authorities. The Red Cross never recommends or requests leave, nor do they make the emergency leave decision. They can, however, offer consultation and guidance about the information that has been received.

The American Red Cross does not accept request for verification after leave is granted. The purpose of the Red Cross report is to assist the service member and the commanding officer in making the determination if leave should be taken and, if granted, the type of leave to be issued.

Army Emergency Relief, or AER, is located in Army Community Service, building 318 at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, or SHAPE. Service members may pick up an application to complete and have signed by their commander. After signature, call DSN 314-597-7361 or commercial: +32(0) 65 75 7361 for an appointment time. Service members must bring current end-of-month Leave and Earnings Statement and completed application to the appointment.

Many services are available to you when emergencies occur in transit. If there is a military installation nearby, report to the personnel center, family support center, Army Community Service or American Red Cross for assistance. These agencies are available to assist and resolve the emergency situation.