What should be my course of action if I have a conflict between my next drill and a non-refundable family vacation?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 00:17:01 -0400

Drill and vacation conflict! Help please...
I just enlisted in the TX ARNG after a 10 year break in service. Last week, I went to the armory and met with the training NCO. As I was leaving, he gave me a drill schedule. Unfortunately, after revising the schedule, I became aware that for the next drill (muta 8) I have a family vacation planned since last year to the Caribbean (non refundable). I called the training NCO the next day to explain. However, he was on leave. What should be my course of action?

I hate being the new guy and already asking for permission to not go to drill, but, my wife and kiddos are really exited and this was planned way before I enlisted.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 21 at 2018 9:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 21:09:12 -0400

You can request to make up drill, if not then your shit out of luck

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2018 5:43 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Jul 2018 17:43:32 -0400

Not sure how the Army does it, but in the Navy Reserve we go online and reschedule the drill.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Dec 10 at 2018 10:50 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 10:50:13 -0500

Stuff happens and it stinks. It's not like you had the drill schedule when you booked your trip. Just keep trying to get on the phone with one of the full timers down there to figure our a time for you to make them up. Hopefully they won't try and be difficult about an understandable situation and work something out.

Response by SGT Mark Estes made Dec 10 at 2018 12:53 PM

SGT Mark Estes — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 12:53:40 -0500

There shouldn’t be a problem if you let them know and you make them up before or after your trip.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Dec 10 at 2018 1:15 PM

CSM David Heidke — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 13:15:43 -0500

you wouldn't be the first person to be given drill off because of vacation. I would much rather this than a no show.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2018 6:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 06:37:30 -0500

Ask for a Suta slip they don’t want you to waste money if you just getting back it’s a very understandable thing to fix plus call your Ncoic he will help a great deal

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2018 4:01 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 16:01:33 -0500

Thank you all for your words of experience. Luckily, it all worked out. I was able to make up drill.