Second Job After Duty Hours

Since we're talking about those who are staying on duty, I looked for ways to get the troops involved in post charities, planning unit parties and field trips into the local community (Bn Chaplain was big help here). NCO wives took over planning unit parties with troop elbow grease. Mission essential training was planned with the stay-behinds pressed into all the setup work ahead of everyone returning. This pushed junior troops into new territory which we found them welcoming the challenge. We allowed for personal time for letter writing, MARS calls and video calls.

The unit may have an SOP on this as well. You need to review those and see if there is a SOP on after duty hours employment.

Normally the units I was in only allowed up to a maximum of 16 hours of off duty employment per week and the Soldier had to submit a statement for record with the days and times of off duty employment. You were also required to notify the employer that you could be recalled at any time or may be late for the job as military duties came first.

I worked a 2nd job for a few months at one point, but honestly it was a real pain come tax time. I barely made enough extra cash to make it worthwhile.

In the end, it's your decision but definitely talk to your CoC to get their approval. In writing.... do not accept a verbal "Yeah sure". If it's in writing, you always have that as backup which really helps. Also, if there is a change in leadership make sure to talk to them about it, again... in writing.

I would warn them about being stretched too thin. Also, financial counseling on how a budget and saving money could take up the slack. A penny saved is a penny earned.