Posted on Jul 14, 2020
As a Reservist, would you fly to drill each month to be promoted to SSG?
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My packet was recently selected for promotion to SSG but there are no slots available in Ohio for 68X-Behavioral Health. The only slots available are out of state and I would have to contact the unit and see if they will take me. I would have to fly to all the available states so I’m thinking of choosing Savannah, GA since it’s the nicest location option. Would you or have you traveled out of state for drill every month to get promoted? What was your experience like?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 21
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I lived in Washington State and traveled to Los Alamitos, CA to get promoted to SSG. It comes down to what you really wanna do.
I would travel if, I could afford it and it came with the opportunity for promotion. Lots of psychs do interns and rotations in other locations. It’s also a great way to get to know other cultures and atmospheres in other locations. Good luck !
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That's a big No-Go in my book. Getting paid for travel and LIK was never a given. So you better expect to get suck with the bill. I just don't see it being worth it for a newly pinned SSG.
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If you’re okay with paying to fly monthly to attend with the understanding of your monthly obligation, then go for it. Sidebar: if you’re going to be paying out more than you a receding in pay, make sure you’re able to handle all the extra costs you’re going to have that comes along with the commitment such as hotel, flight, rental car, meals, etc....
Good luck to you...
Good luck to you...
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Sure would. You have to go after it in the reserves. I mean, really anywhere, but the reserves can be a good place to stagnate and stew for a long time. Go after it!
If they paid for transporting me yes I would. However I'm active duty so I have no clue what guard or reserve is like.
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It's personal preference, and my preference would be no. Here's why.
Enlisted non-regular (reserve) retirement isn't much, promotion or not.
The retirement from your civilian career is what is going to pay the bills in retirement.
The Reserves aren't going to be the family you retire with, that will be your actual family.
The further away from home you drill, the more damage you do to that civilian career and your family.
And while the travel reimbursement is funded again for the Reserves (and barely for the Guard), the funding could get cut just as quickly.
If it was a promotion for what was going to be the last 2-3 years of a reserve career, or if I as a young, single E5 with a very flexible civilian job, then maybe yes, otherwise no.
YMMV.
Enlisted non-regular (reserve) retirement isn't much, promotion or not.
The retirement from your civilian career is what is going to pay the bills in retirement.
The Reserves aren't going to be the family you retire with, that will be your actual family.
The further away from home you drill, the more damage you do to that civilian career and your family.
And while the travel reimbursement is funded again for the Reserves (and barely for the Guard), the funding could get cut just as quickly.
If it was a promotion for what was going to be the last 2-3 years of a reserve career, or if I as a young, single E5 with a very flexible civilian job, then maybe yes, otherwise no.
YMMV.
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