Posted on Dec 6, 2019
How should I mitigate an inevitable scheduling conflict?
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I have made plans to take leave in Feb. to go to a conference friends that I haven’t seen since college. This is also gonna be my first time taking leave in 18 months.
I also learned that I just jumped to #1 on the BLC OML. Right now it looks like I might be scheduled for BLC it will be in Feb.
I reached out to my NCOIC to see how to best navigate this situation. Because I don’t want to turn down BLC but at the same time desperately want to take leave as my friends and I have been planning this for a while. After explaining the situation to my NCOIC I was told that they was an easy thing to fix I will cancel my planned leave and go to BLC.
I know I can decline to go, which will kick me to the bottom of the OML (I don’t want to do that).
Should I talk to the Training Room NCOIC to see what can be done? Or if possible to go at a later time. I’m not opposed to letting someone lower on the OML go so the slot isn’t wasted but I really want and need this time off.
I also learned that I just jumped to #1 on the BLC OML. Right now it looks like I might be scheduled for BLC it will be in Feb.
I reached out to my NCOIC to see how to best navigate this situation. Because I don’t want to turn down BLC but at the same time desperately want to take leave as my friends and I have been planning this for a while. After explaining the situation to my NCOIC I was told that they was an easy thing to fix I will cancel my planned leave and go to BLC.
I know I can decline to go, which will kick me to the bottom of the OML (I don’t want to do that).
Should I talk to the Training Room NCOIC to see what can be done? Or if possible to go at a later time. I’m not opposed to letting someone lower on the OML go so the slot isn’t wasted but I really want and need this time off.
Army Schools
Professional Development
Leave
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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OML is order of Merit List. Being the "most meritorious" does NOT equal MUST go.
As has been stated, each unit does things differently. But just because you are at the top does not mean you HAVE to go. Way back when in 19 *mumble mumble* when I went to PLDC (what is now BLC) I went on one day's notice bexause the guy at the top of the list taped over, and the seven guys between him and me were already on leave/pass/in another school/ on detail/etc. and I was the one the could get a hold of. If you don't go in "your" slot, someone else will. The unit and the Army will keep running.
Talk to schools (if you don't have direct access, grab your NCO who DOES have access - probably PSG or Company Ops) and see if you can get in in January. Or work a swap with someone on the March list. This is a "too easy" routine thing for a BN schools NCO. The only real impediment is the possibility of specific guidance from BN of BDE CSM which prevents this, or requires CSM approval. Even then, sending this up the NCO support channel can STILL make it happen. But it is better to start NOW.
As has been stated, each unit does things differently. But just because you are at the top does not mean you HAVE to go. Way back when in 19 *mumble mumble* when I went to PLDC (what is now BLC) I went on one day's notice bexause the guy at the top of the list taped over, and the seven guys between him and me were already on leave/pass/in another school/ on detail/etc. and I was the one the could get a hold of. If you don't go in "your" slot, someone else will. The unit and the Army will keep running.
Talk to schools (if you don't have direct access, grab your NCO who DOES have access - probably PSG or Company Ops) and see if you can get in in January. Or work a swap with someone on the March list. This is a "too easy" routine thing for a BN schools NCO. The only real impediment is the possibility of specific guidance from BN of BDE CSM which prevents this, or requires CSM approval. Even then, sending this up the NCO support channel can STILL make it happen. But it is better to start NOW.
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SPC (Join to see)
My NCO just made it sound like moving the school date wouldn’t be an option if they they try to send me in Feb.
I’ll try reaching out to the schools NCO
I’ll try reaching out to the schools NCO
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SFC Casey O'Mally
SPC (Join to see) people have scheduling conflicts all of the time. Would they tell someone to cancel their wedding? Or their Ranger school? If you do not have a LOCKED IN school date (which is highly unlikely this far out) submit your leave NOW. That approved leave gives you a leg to stand on. Submitting leave after you have a locked in date would be a no-go, though.
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SFC (Join to see)
SPC Jason Taylor because opportunities only knock once and if he misses this class date his promotion might be delayed another year or two.
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SFC (Join to see)
SPC Jason Taylor - I had to defer my SLC 3 years because of my daughter's medical issues. Three years. I came up on QMP because of it (until they changed it back to 4 years TIG needed post school). So I had to explain to the Army why I had deferred 3 years, etc, etc. I got to stay in.
Instead of getting looked at for MSG in 2016, I had to wait until this year because I didn't get to SLC until Jan 2018.
Granted I don't regret deferring because my daughter is the most important thing in my life and I am doing what I do to stay in to retirement in 5 years for her - but that and compassionate did pause my career a bit.
Don't pass up schools unless you have a life or death reason.
Instead of getting looked at for MSG in 2016, I had to wait until this year because I didn't get to SLC until Jan 2018.
Granted I don't regret deferring because my daughter is the most important thing in my life and I am doing what I do to stay in to retirement in 5 years for her - but that and compassionate did pause my career a bit.
Don't pass up schools unless you have a life or death reason.
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I would take it higher up the chain. But be careful --a lot of times this looks like a motivation thing to higher ups. It's a little unfair I know, but your NCOIC/Commander?etc. may see you as immature/not ready for promotion if you put your friends above your career. That might create a stigma for you. But then again, in 5 years it ain't going to matter when you went to BLC, but you will remember the time with your friends for the rest of your life. I would choose friends.
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